The Notebook Review forums were hosted by TechTarget, who shut down them down on January 31, 2022. This static read-only archive was pulled by NBR forum users between January 20 and January 31, 2022, in an effort to make sure that the valuable technical information that had been posted on the forums is preserved. For current discussions, many NBR forum users moved over to NotebookTalk.net after the shutdown.
Problems? See this thread at archive.org.

    just ordered a t420 - what to do when it arrives?

    Discussion in 'Lenovo' started by trudat15, Jul 10, 2011.

  1. trudat15

    trudat15 Notebook Guru

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    52
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    15
    Hi everyone,

    I just ordered a T420, and some extra ram to install on my own. I've been on a mac for the last 6 years or so, so I have no idea what to do when it comes (to make it run optimally). I'm assuming a clean install of windows, but I'm not that tech savvy (I took a cursory glance at Hearst's guide to a clean install, and seems complicated/long), so would just prefer to uninstall whatever I dont need (OEM Crapware) what whatever I do (what's the best free Antivirus?). Is there a guide on this forum somewhere to do this? Sorry, I searched, but couldnt find anything.

    Also - when my computer comes, is it best to just install the ram right away (ie, before I even turn the machine on) since I'll have the sticks already? Or use the computer a bit first, then install the ram later? or does it not matter at all?

    Thanks in advance
     
    trudat15, Jul 10, 2011
    #1
  2. trudat15

    trudat15 Notebook Guru

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    52
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    15
    Also is there anything I'm supposed to do to increase battery life? Battery calibration? When it comes, just plug it in and keep it plugged until 100%?
     
    trudat15, Jul 10, 2011
    #2
  3. ferganer80

    ferganer80 Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    185
    Messages:
    199
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    If you are not familiar with the process, then there is no need to clean install Windows. Just uninstall whatever you don't / will not need and install apps that you will use.

    Install all applicable Windows updates.

    There are other things you can do such as turning some of unneeded Windows features off (e.g. remote differentials, pc tablet components, etc.). You may want to uncheck unneeded items in the startup list under msconfig).But it's OK to leave all these as is.

    Microsoft Security Essential is a perfect free anti-malware.

    iAs for the RAM, it doesn't matter, but I would wait and use the laptop to see if there are any problems just to make sure it's not the new memory that is causing them.

    You may want to set a threshold on your battery charge (e.g. 90%). It is believed that Li-ION batteries degrade faster if they stay fully charged.
     
    ferganer80, Jul 10, 2011
    #3
  4. ferganer80

    ferganer80 Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    185
    Messages:
    199
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    ferganer80, Jul 10, 2011
    #4
  5. trudat15

    trudat15 Notebook Guru

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    52
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    15
    Thanks for the info, esp about the battery threshold stuff. Will take a look at those links when the comp comes.

    Thanks again
     
    trudat15, Jul 11, 2011
    #5