Wharton Computing Student Support

Maintenance Tips For The Lenovo ThinkPad

Due to the large number of problems with recent models of Thinkpads, we've compiled useful tips to help you address current issues and minimize future problems. Here are some solutions to the most common issues affecting Thinkpads.

• Is your Lenovo ThinkPad hibernating properly?
• Want to protect your Lenovo from security issues?
• Is your computer still running slowly after installing ThinkVantage and Windows Update?
• Want to improve your ThinkPad system performance?
• Want to keep your Lenovo new and scratch-free?
• Have you backed-up your Lenovo ThinkPad?
• Are your laptop keys getting sticky?

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Is your Lenovo ThinkPad hibernating properly?

If you close the lid, it may not be set to hibernate.  Make an appointment to have your ThinkPad checked out by Wharton Computing Student Support!


Want to protect your Lenovo from security issues?
Make sure you run Lenovo ThinkVantage Updates AND Windows Updates manually at least once a week, or have your computer set to update automatically!

• ThinkVantage Update Instructions:  Make sure you are connected to the Internet.  Click on the Windows Start Menu icon.  Select “Programs”, go into the “ThinkVantage” folder, and then select the “System Update” option near the bottom.  Follow the instructions and select Next.  Install any critical updates.
• To Set Up Automatic Update:  Select “Schedule updates”in the Advanced options on the left of the window once ThinkVantage System Update is opened (check instructions above to open ThinkVantage System Update).  Select “Enable automatic updates” if it is not already selected.  Choose “Critical updates” as the package type, select “Weekly” as the frequency, and select a day and time when you are most likely to be on your computer on a regular basis.
• Windows Update Instructions:  Make sure you are connected to the Internet.  Click on the Windows Start Menu icon.  In the top list, there should be an icon that says “Windows Update”.   If there is, skip to the next step, but if not, go to “Settings”, “Control Panel”, and there will be a “Windows Update” icon here.  Click on this and then select “Check for Updates” in the top left corner and install any important updates.
• To Set Up Windows Automatic Update:  Select “Change Settings” once Windows Update is opened (check instructions above to open Windows Update).  Select “Install updates automatically” if it is not already selected.  Select “Every day” to install new updates and choose a time when you are most likely to be on your computer on a regular basis.

Is your computer still running slowly after installing ThinkVantage and Windows Update?
Some Suggestions:

• Make sure your Antivirus definitions are up-to-date.  To do this, click on your Antivirus program in your system tray (in the bottom right of your desktop) and select “Update”.  Then run a system scan and have it set to run weekly scans, as well.
• Run the “Disk Cleanup” utility.  To do this, click on the Windows Start Menu icon.  Select “Programs”, go into the “Accessories” folder at the top, enter the “System Tools” folder, and click on the “Disk Cleanup” icon.  Choose to clean up “Files from all users on this computer”.  Select to delete “Downloaded Program Files”, “Temporary Internet Files”, “Recycle Bin”, “Temporary files”, and “Thumbnails”.
• For additional suggestions to optimize your computer.  Visit: http://prowiki.isc.upenn.edu/wiki/Optimizing_An_Unimaged_ThinkPad_With_Windows_Vista

 

Want to improve your ThinkPad system performance?
Run Microsoft Windows Disk Defragmenter to increase system performance.

To run Windows Disk Defragmenter:  Click on the Windows Start Menu icon.  Select “Programs”, go into the “Accessories” folder at the top, enter the “System Tools” folder, and click on the “Disk Defragmenter” icon.  Select the “Defragment now…” option.

 

Want to keep your Lenovo looking new and scratch-free?
Purchase a protective case and/or sleeve from the Computer Connection!

View available options here:  http://www.business-services.upenn.edu/computerstore/index.html

 

Have you backed-up your Lenovo ThinkPad?
Don't get caught without your data in case you experience issues with your computer!  Purchase an External Hard Drive from Computer Connection!

View available options here:  http://www.business-services.upenn.edu/computerstore/home/store/backup.html#hard

 

Are your laptop keys getting very sticky?
Visit the Computer Connection for screen cleaning kits and compressed air here:  http://www.business-services.upenn.edu/computerstore/index.html