Lenovo ThinkPad FAQ (READ THIS FIRST)

THE OFFICIAL LENOVO THINKPAD GUIDE
Specializing in T61, R61, and X61 ThinkPads


Links/Guides


ThinkPad Hardware Installation and Removal Guides (for T61) (for R61) (for X61, X61s)
These guides will aid you in anything that is upgradeable in your ThinkPad. Whether it is your hard drive, memory, or even the palm rest that you want to service, these guides will have the comprehensive instructions necessary.

ThinkPad Windows Clean Install Guide
Just got your computer and it's running incredibly slow? The factory install always includes trial software and junk that slows down the machine. Do a clean install to get rid of all the junk and speed up your system.

ThinkVantage Software Guide
What do all these ThinkVantage programs do? How am I supposed to know which ones I want? Within is a guide to all the different ThinkVantage utilities, links to their downloads, and what they do.

ThinkPad Discounts/Special Pricing Guide
Look here to find the most commonly used discounts on ThinkPad laptops. This thread is updated regularly to give you information on how you can save money on a ThinkPad purchase.

ThinkPad Personal Systems Reference Guide
Above is a list of ThinkPad models and their hardware configurations. If you are looking for information on a particular model or would like to know which ThinkPads have what you need, here it is.

Check Your ThinkPad Warranty Status
This is where you look up the warranty status of your ThinkPad notebook. ThinkPad warranties are different than most other notebooks. They follow the machine, not the buyer. No registration or proof of purchase is ever necessary.

ThinkPad Parts Lookup
You can find out what parts were used to make your ThinkPad. Which keyboard did I get? What LCD brand? You can find this information and much more.
Keyboard FRU's (for T61, R61) (for X61, X61s)
LCD Screen FRU's (for 14.1" T61, R61) (for 12.1" X61, X61s)

ThinkPad Updates RSS Feed
Not religiously following updates for your ThinkPad? This RSS Feed can let you know the latest drivers/software available straight from Lenovo.


Frequently Asked Questions


Does Lenovo have a price protection policy?
If you find a lower price within 21 days after your purchase, you can call to get a price match done.

I think this is going to be the lowest price for weeks, but I don't want to buy just yet. Can I save this price for a later purchase?
Do everything you would do when ordering excepting when you get to the last page, do not submit order and select "Convert to Price Quote" instead. Save the Price Quote order number and present it to a customer service rep within 30 days to convert the price quote into an order.

How do the extended batteries look aesthetically?
On 14.1" T61 and R61, 4-cell batteries are flush with the back and 6-/7- cell batteries stick out about an inch. On 15.1" T61, 6-cell batteries are flush with the back and 9-cell batteries stick out about an inch.

What software discs come with the ThinkPad?
The recovery software needs to be burned from your computer, so you don't get any recovery discs. A Windows Vista installation disc does come in the form of the Anytime Upgrade promotion. If you did not receive in the package, you should contact Lenovo and have them send one to you, as they are under contract with Microsoft to promote Windows Vista.

I'm too lazy to find X. Can you tell me where it is?
X is here.

 

Johnny
Great job , I think you got your sticky LOL

 

Thanks. .

 

I for one, welcome our new sticky overlords.

Seriously tho, very informative, I think it should be updates regularly with all the latest issues and questions, great job johnny.

 

Rep the man!!!!!

 

Very nice job. I bookmarked this thread.

 

"Does Lenovo have a price protection policy?
If you find a lower price within 30 days after your purchase, you can call to get a price match done."

It's 21 days, not 30. 21 days from shipping date; quote must still be valid (they are dated).

 

Nice job!!!

 

Done. Thanks.

 

Only ONE price match per order. So if the price drops a second time and you already called for a match, you're SOL next time.


Nice job, indeed!

 

You should also add this for those that use RSS Feeds for updates:

http://tools.4dots.com/thinkpad/

I have used it for my T60 - always get the latest updates before they pop up on System Update (another link you should add, which is in my sig)

 

Good info, especially the last link.

 

Done. Thanks for the suggestion. Keep them coming guys!!

 

Awesome job Johnny

 

Nice Johnny!

 

Well done johnny, way to go! I'm going to put this link in my sig.

 

Woo-hoo guys! I'm repping everyone on this thread as thanks for the support!!!

 

Hi, Johnny,
This is really a great post. One question is the "ThinkPad Windows Clean Install Guide" turns out to be a "ThinkPad Windows Vista Clean Install Guide" when I click in. I was wondering whether we have a guide for XP..
Thanks for your effort johnny!

 

Problem solved!

The instructions are the same.

 

closing this thread for a few minutes to have johnny test something.....

 

Johnny
I love that "i am lazy to find X " part , its great

 

Yo Johnny, I think instead of having two separate links for both memory/hardware installation and removal, I suggest you just put up this one link:

http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site.wss/document.do?sitestyle=lenovo&lndocid=MIGR-63959

I think this will greatly simplify things.

 

That sounds like a good idea. Could you get a T61/R61 link though?

 

Here is the T61 link:

http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site.wss/document.do?sitestyle=lenovo&lndocid=MIGR-67869
(The videos for the T60 and T61 are the same i imagine)

And the R61 Link:

http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site.wss/document.do?sitestyle=lenovo&lndocid=MIGR-67870

 

thank you johhny

 

that's great.

 

Thanks Stunner.

 

Yeah, no problem man. One thing though, I was checking out the links and you omitted this one(the T60 link):

http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site.wss/document.do?sitestyle=lenovo&lndocid=MIGR-63959

Maybe you should include this one just because it consists of the same instructions for the T61, but also has all the removal and installation videos that the other links don't have. You don't need to replace the T61 link with this one, just make this a separate link saying that it includes the videos as well. I think this one link should definitely be on the FAQ because those videos are actually very helpful.

 

Yes, you really have done a really nice job. I especially like the bargains one. Almost wish I hadn't yet gotten mine but hey, I'm usin' it!

 

So uh, why isn't this our real sticky FAQ yet?

 

I'm sure something will become of this in due time... /cue Admins!

 

I'm in talks already with Kevin (the moderator). We're in the process of getting some kinks worked out.

 

I see this FAQ has been sticked by ZaZ and it is called ThinkPad sticky. Find it here:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=145133

Good job Johnny you did it haha.

 

I emailed and asked Lenovo for their complete Price Protection Policy and here is what they said (2 messages).

According to Lenovo Sales:

"Please be advised of our Price Protection policy. We allow Price Protection up until 21 days after the date of invoice. We ask that you create a quote on our website using the exact same configuration as your order. Then send us the quote and we will send in a request for Price Protection. If it is approved, we will credit your account the difference in price."
----------
"Please note that Lenovo does not have an official price protection policy, it is treated by us as a courtesy. Lenovo offers price protection within 21 days of the invoice date of the order as a courtesy. If you find a lower price for an identically configured system, feel free to create a quote for that system with the better price. You build a quote the same way you build an order, but instead of selecting the option to checkout, choose "save as quote". This will generate the number you need to send to us after your order has shipped. After we receive the quote number, we send it for processing and review. If the quote is deemed identical to the original order, you will be credited for the difference in price."

 

This is PERFECT. I thank you kind sir.