** HOW TOs & FAQs ** - Thinkpads Forum

Take a look at our
ThinkPads.com HOME PAGE
For those who might want to contribute to the blog, start here: Editors Alley Topic
Then contact Bill with a Private Message

HOW TOs & FAQs

New Topic

143 topics

Announcements

Replies

Views

Last post

READ the Forum Rules!

Last post by RealBlackStuff « Fri Jun 22, 2018 2:19 pm
Posted in RULES of the ROAD

by RealBlackStuff » Fri Jun 22, 2018 2:19 pm » in RULES of the ROAD

Before posting, please read the Forum Rules of the Road . .

And please pay particular attention to Section 5. PICTURES .

Thank you.

For more info...

0 Replies

218162 Views

Last post by RealBlackStuff
Fri Jun 22, 2018 2:19 pm
PM notifications have changed

Last post by 600X « Fri Jan 01, 2016 5:03 am
Posted in Forum Announcements
Replies: 10
by rkawakami » Wed Apr 22, 2015 2:55 am » in Forum Announcements

Due to the recent upgrade of the forum software (phpBB), the option to display a pop-up window when a member has a Private Message (PM) waiting to be...

10 Replies

882538 Views

Last post by 600X
Fri Jan 01, 2016 5:03 am
Please report Forum-bugs/errors here (PHPBB)

Last post by RealBlackStuff « Wed Mar 02, 2022 1:53 am
Posted in Forum Announcements
Replies: 57
by rkawakami » Fri Feb 20, 2015 2:38 pm » in Forum Announcements
1

2
The forum software has been upgraded to phpBB version 3.1.3. Currently it should be at a stable point for layout changes; you may notice that the...
57 Replies

1089985 Views

Last post by RealBlackStuff
Wed Mar 02, 2022 1:53 am
Forum donations for upgrades

Last post by cadillacmike68 « Mon Aug 16, 2021 10:30 am
Posted in Forum Announcements
Replies: 31
by JaneL » Mon Nov 24, 2008 10:01 am » in Forum Announcements
1

2
If you've noticed the new maintenance outage announcements, you know that Bill is actively working on upgrading the forum software and fixing the...
31 Replies

1257793 Views

Last post by cadillacmike68
Mon Aug 16, 2021 10:30 am
FAQ (thinkpads.com - Frequently Asked Questions)

Last post by BillMorrow « Tue Jul 06, 2004 1:48 am

by BillMorrow » Tue Jul 06, 2004 1:48 am

1) Can someone tell me __________ about model _________?

NEW -

OLD -

tabook/tawbook/ltwbook - A/T/X/R/Z series
tbook/twbook - 2xx, 3xx, 5xx,...

0 Replies

100309 Views

Last post by BillMorrow
Tue Jul 06, 2004 1:48 am

Topics

Replies

Views

Last post

HOW TO shop Tax-Free in USA and ship cheap worldwide:

Last post by dr_st « Mon Oct 07, 2019 3:37 am
Replies: 1
by RealBlackStuff » Mon Oct 07, 2019 1:27 am

As recommended by Bill himself:
Shop US Stores Tax-Free & Ship Worldwide with MyUS
Save up to 80% on international shipping!

1 Replies

14462 Views

Last post by dr_st
Mon Oct 07, 2019 3:37 am
Ordering from Lenovo Outlet: Tips and Tricks

Last post by Cigarguy « Thu Aug 09, 2018 7:15 pm
Replies: 21
by hart22 » Mon Feb 11, 2008 5:27 pm

I've ordered 2 machines from Lenovo Outlet, as well as various other odds and ends, and I've come upon some useful procedures that may help with the...

21 Replies

77559 Views

Last post by Cigarguy
Thu Aug 09, 2018 7:15 pm
Problems with Lenovo support?

Last post by w0qj « Mon Oct 02, 2017 2:04 pm
Replies: 1
by Kielbasa » Sun Oct 01, 2017 2:44 am

3 years ago (in 2014)....Wife asked me to research/purchase a solid business-type Laptop for her business.
Ended up purchasing a T500 with 4 year...

1 Replies

9388 Views

Last post by w0qj
Mon Oct 02, 2017 2:04 pm
HOW TO replace a CCFL/Backlight in your LCD

Last post by topshot « Sat Nov 23, 2013 2:08 pm
Replies: 14
by RealBlackStuff » Thu Jul 15, 2010 9:47 am

I just replaced the CCFL in a 15 IPS/Flexview LCD made by IDTECH.
This one is quite easy.

Lift up the silver/metal tape along the bottom (insert a...

14 Replies

38411 Views

Last post by topshot
Sat Nov 23, 2013 2:08 pm
Complete guide for flashing a retail HD to IBM official FW

Last post by Neil « Sat Oct 01, 2011 4:11 pm
Replies: 79
by messar » Sat Feb 18, 2006 7:12 am
1

2

3
Edit: Floppy image revised for reported error!

Warrning: Updating failure may cause unrecoverble damage to your harddisk and it may not work! This...
79 Replies

210705 Views

Last post by Neil
Sat Oct 01, 2011 4:11 pm
Latest ThinkPad downloads via RSS

Last post by ozzymud « Fri Jun 03, 2011 2:22 am
Replies: 22
by AlexanderT » Fri Mar 09, 2007 3:36 pm

If you are an RSS junkie like I am, you'd probably love to get informed of the latest available downloads for your Thinkpad via RSS. So I just hacked...

22 Replies

45184 Views

Last post by ozzymud
Fri Jun 03, 2011 2:22 am
Access Connections - some tips on how to use it

Last post by jdhurst « Tue Mar 15, 2011 5:42 pm
Replies: 41
by jdhurst » Sun Jul 08, 2007 2:19 pm
1

2
There are a number of software applications that are foolishly and incorrectly maligned as junk on this forum even though they work perfectly well....
41 Replies

86831 Views

Last post by jdhurst
Tue Mar 15, 2011 5:42 pm
Hard Drive FAQ

Last post by leoblob « Sat Dec 01, 2007 10:38 pm
Replies: 3
by AlphaKilo470 » Thu Apr 27, 2006 10:53 pm

Due to the number of hard drive related questions posted on this messageboard recently, this new thread has been created. Please read the following...

3 Replies

40472 Views

Last post by leoblob
Sat Dec 01, 2007 10:38 pm
FAQ "How to use Recovery CD Disc Set"

Last post by ryengineer « Wed Nov 07, 2007 6:13 pm

by ryengineer » Wed Nov 07, 2007 6:13 pm

Dated: Thu Aug 02, 2007 12:27 am. (Originally posted by Mr. Bill Morrow on my request, with his permission I am reposting an edited version again)....

0 Replies

52970 Views

Last post by ryengineer
Wed Nov 07, 2007 6:13 pm
Sending a DM and posting on threads

Last post by Skilowi « Wed Dec 06, 2023 1:04 pm
Replies: 8
by justbrowsingthatsall » Fri Nov 11, 2022 5:46 pm

Hi,

I'm new to this forum and I signed up here recently on seeing a very attractive advert in the buying/selling forum. I want to send a DM to the...

8 Replies

17991 Views

Last post by Skilowi
Wed Dec 06, 2023 1:04 pm
Internet Speed Test, who can you believe?

Last post by ajkula66 « Sat Nov 18, 2023 8:16 pm
Replies: 6
by RealBlackStuff » Tue Nov 14, 2023 3:51 am

Yesterday I got FTTH (Fibre To The House) installed from Vodafone, with 500/50 Mbps (Down/Up).

I tested the above with my T440p (W7 Pro/SP1, Intel...

6 Replies

574 Views

Last post by ajkula66
Sat Nov 18, 2023 8:16 pm
Changing username

Last post by RealBlackStuff « Wed Sep 07, 2022 12:14 am
Replies: 1
by unix_joe » Tue Sep 06, 2022 9:23 am

Is it possible to change my username? Maybe I don't want to be my initials anymore.

I guess I can just sign up for a new account, but I don't want...

1 Replies

2961 Views

Last post by RealBlackStuff
Wed Sep 07, 2022 12:14 am
Repairing Thinkpad keys/Keyboards

Last post by JNavas « Sun Jan 30, 2022 12:21 pm
Replies: 9
by joe4227 » Tue Jul 07, 2020 11:25 pm

Could someone please point me to any forum :?: info on repairing thinkpad keys and keyboards? I don't seem to be able to locate anything using the...

9 Replies

17714 Views

Last post by JNavas
Sun Jan 30, 2022 12:21 pm
Unable to update S/N after board replacement

Last post by RealBlackStuff « Fri Sep 17, 2021 10:38 am
Replies: 2
by lanovo » Thu Sep 16, 2021 2:06 pm

A new systemboard was fitted to a T470. I want to update the serial number to the old one as it is currently saying INVALID and makes loud beep...

2 Replies

14297 Views

Last post by RealBlackStuff
Fri Sep 17, 2021 10:38 am
T440 - replace touch screen with non-touch

Last post by HaagenBl « Sat Jul 10, 2021 11:12 am

by HaagenBl » Sat Jul 10, 2021 11:12 am

Hi,

I would like to know if anybody has experience with replacing a touch screen with a non-touch screen on a T440.

I do not need the touch screen...

0 Replies

7760 Views

Last post by HaagenBl
Sat Jul 10, 2021 11:12 am
[FAQ] I have a(n) (insert model here), which forum board does it belong to?

Last post by TheForgottenKing « Tue Dec 01, 2020 11:40 am
Replies: 3
by Screamer » Sat Nov 28, 2020 10:23 am

Post-classic/Modern models:
ThinkPad T430-T490 / T530-T590 Series
This is the appropriate subforum board for the T430, T430s, T430i, T430si,...

3 Replies

12350 Views

Last post by TheForgottenKing
Tue Dec 01, 2020 11:40 am
Quad Core Mods

Last post by thealphaoverseer « Sat Sep 19, 2020 5:18 am
Replies: 8
by thealphaoverseer » Tue Sep 15, 2020 6:52 pm

Hi everyone,
I'm not sure if this is where I ask a question like this, but here goes:
I saw a couple of old(er) posts about core 2 quads in T61's and...

8 Replies

13003 Views

Last post by thealphaoverseer
Sat Sep 19, 2020 5:18 am
Any way to like posts on forum thread?

Last post by BillP « Fri Nov 08, 2019 8:56 am
Replies: 6
by Tetsuo1981 » Thu Nov 07, 2019 3:39 am

Hi all

New here but finding it a great forum so far. Just wondered if there was a way to like posts from members on forum threads as a way to show...

6 Replies

19442 Views

Last post by BillP
Fri Nov 08, 2019 8:56 am
How to stick to the Image/Picture Rules of the Forum

Last post by madicetea « Sun May 05, 2019 12:23 pm
Replies: 32
by zod » Sat Sep 08, 2018 2:39 pm
1

2
Edit: 50 kilobytes exceeded, sorry, no pics.

ADMIN Note :
this thread was split off from My first T601 build
32 Replies

29373 Views

Last post by madicetea
Sun May 05, 2019 12:23 pm
Where to get basic images of keyboard, etc to use as template for custom skin?

Last post by RealBlackStuff « Thu May 02, 2019 5:38 am
Replies: 1
by pickleback_mountain » Thu May 02, 2019 3:52 am

I want to try designing my own key covers or skins to use with different keyboard layouts. Is there anywhere I might find some kind of diagram of the...

1 Replies

7381 Views

Last post by RealBlackStuff
Thu May 02, 2019 5:38 am
How to post a question on a discussion board

Last post by RealBlackStuff « Fri Mar 22, 2019 4:25 pm
Replies: 3
by sian » Thu Nov 27, 2014 8:51 pm

I have been going crazy trying to find a link so I can post a question on a board but no link anywhere? All I am allowed to do is post a question...

3 Replies

11293 Views

Last post by RealBlackStuff
Fri Mar 22, 2019 4:25 pm
Display Lid Warped / Bent? Here Comes the Ultimate 5 Minute Fix!

Last post by w0qj « Mon Mar 18, 2019 4:29 am
Replies: 5
by Bakerman » Tue Jan 15, 2019 3:41 am

Hey guys,

I was suffering from a bent / warped display lid. I seeked relief on the internet, but all I could find were suggestions to RMA the...

5 Replies

14837 Views

Last post by w0qj
Mon Mar 18, 2019 4:29 am
Diagnosing if a Thinkpad had its hardware tampered with in transit?

Last post by Thinkpad4by3 « Thu Dec 27, 2018 3:58 pm
Replies: 3
by Thundara » Thu Dec 27, 2018 2:41 pm

Hi, first time posting here. I've been wanting to get into using Thinkpads with libreboot installed. I was recommended to come here to learn about...

3 Replies

8608 Views

Last post by Thinkpad4by3
Thu Dec 27, 2018 3:58 pm
T61 Laptop Keyboard USB Controller

Last post by thedalles77 « Wed Dec 05, 2018 9:22 pm
Replies: 4
by thedalles77 » Sun Nov 25, 2018 5:05 pm

I created an “Instructable” and YouTube video that provides step by step instructions for converting a typical laptop keyboard to USB. The Lenovo T61...

4 Replies

12446 Views

Last post by thedalles77
Wed Dec 05, 2018 9:22 pm
What's the meaning of the 's' in some ThinkPads names?

Last post by Thinkpad4by3 « Thu Mar 29, 2018 3:41 pm
Replies: 2
by gstux » Thu Mar 29, 2018 5:40 am

Hi, i have a question. What's the meaning of the s at the end of some ThinkPad names? For example, what is the difference between T420 and T420s?

2 Replies

9541 Views

Last post by Thinkpad4by3
Thu Mar 29, 2018 3:41 pm
Buying a used Laptop? What to look for, how to test it, etc.

Last post by Hans Gruber « Sun Mar 04, 2018 3:29 am
Replies: 8
by StarGehzer » Tue Jun 12, 2012 1:21 pm

I'm shopping for a used 12 laptop. I'm sure some of you have a methodology you follow when examining and testing a laptop you are considering...

8 Replies

22026 Views

Last post by Hans Gruber
Sun Mar 04, 2018 3:29 am
Starting an IBM ThinkPad Collecton on a Budget?

Last post by gfuller « Fri Jan 19, 2018 11:24 am
Replies: 17
by gfuller » Sun Nov 12, 2017 8:14 pm

I'm new to the ThinkPads forums. I currently have a ThinkPad T420 which I use as my daily driver , but I'd like to eventually expand my collection to...

17 Replies

16896 Views

Last post by gfuller
Fri Jan 19, 2018 11:24 am
Cheap and easy GPU fix for T40/etc.

Last post by kfzhu1229 « Mon Oct 23, 2017 3:50 pm
Replies: 13
by Bibin » Tue Mar 17, 2009 6:29 am

So I don't have a heat gun nor any other necessary tools to reflow my T40's Radeon 7500, so I came up with what seems like a fully functional...

13 Replies

38747 Views

Last post by kfzhu1229
Mon Oct 23, 2017 3:50 pm
Find warranty, parts, etc. for non-US model?

Last post by Edward Mendelson « Sun Jul 23, 2017 1:55 pm
Replies: 4
by Edward Mendelson » Sun Jul 23, 2017 9:12 am

A while back, I bought a ThinkPad X240s (the s model that was never sold in the Americas or, I think, western Europe), and I haven't been able to...

4 Replies

9818 Views

Last post by Edward Mendelson
Sun Jul 23, 2017 1:55 pm
Need ThinkPad details quickly when away from your desk ?

Last post by leona2101 « Sun Mar 12, 2017 4:06 am
Replies: 9
by ConfiguratorHelp » Thu May 31, 2012 9:30 pm

Sometimes you come across on a ThinkPad model and want to know what the specs are, but you have no access to your normal sources. If you still have...

9 Replies

22798 Views

Last post by leona2101
Sun Mar 12, 2017 4:06 am
(Company + Individuals): Strategies to Mitigate Cyber Security Incidents

Last post by Digitalhorizons « Tue Feb 07, 2017 1:39 pm
Replies: 1
by RealBlackStuff » Tue Feb 07, 2017 9:40 am

Block adverts, delete Flash, kill Java: ASD

Some very important information on how to keep your computing safe:

They refer to the Australian...

1 Replies

8930 Views

Last post by Digitalhorizons
Tue Feb 07, 2017 1:39 pm
New message notification won't go away

Last post by dandreye « Fri Dec 30, 2016 4:09 am
Replies: 6
by dandreye » Thu Dec 29, 2016 1:52 pm

Hi All,

Several weeks ago I noticed a new message notification show up in the form of (1) in all my Chrome tabs pointing at the forum:

Since then...

6 Replies

11606 Views

Last post by dandreye
Fri Dec 30, 2016 4:09 am
Thoroughly clean a Thinkpad (T60)

Last post by murak « Sun Dec 18, 2016 3:01 pm
Replies: 4
by murak » Sat Nov 05, 2016 2:56 am

So I finally found a T60 with flexview (1400x1050) and Swedish keyboard in good condition for a decent price (600kr~$60).

Fully functional and as...

4 Replies

10630 Views

Last post by murak
Sun Dec 18, 2016 3:01 pm
Lenovo sl500 working without lid?

Last post by RealBlackStuff « Sun Dec 11, 2016 2:08 pm
Replies: 1
by Fin2 » Sun Dec 11, 2016 1:35 pm

Hi!
Dropped my Thinkpad on the floor and broke the left hinge. Affects somehow the screen backlight but I've managed to use it until someone flipped...

1 Replies

8334 Views

Last post by RealBlackStuff
Sun Dec 11, 2016 2:08 pm
-USB HDD in BIOS

Last post by RealBlackStuff « Fri Nov 25, 2016 5:04 am
Replies: 1
by IBMquestion » Thu Nov 24, 2016 9:17 pm

I have been having trouble booting to USB on several Lenovo Thinkpad 61's. The USB HDD has a minus sign in front of it. No matter what I do I not...

1 Replies

8599 Views

Last post by RealBlackStuff
Fri Nov 25, 2016 5:04 am
Standalone ThinkPad configuration tool available 4 download

Last post by ConfiguratorHelp « Mon Nov 14, 2016 5:54 am
Replies: 5
by ConfiguratorHelp » Tue May 29, 2012 4:30 am

The PC Sales Guide/Configurator is available for download from

It is a PC-based application, useful for pre- and post-sales support regarding...

5 Replies

17235 Views

Last post by ConfiguratorHelp
Mon Nov 14, 2016 5:54 am
Volunteer with Android Tablet wanted to test app

Last post by ConfiguratorHelp « Tue Nov 01, 2016 1:54 pm
Replies: 2
by ConfiguratorHelp » Tue Dec 18, 2012 6:30 am

I am looking for someone with money ($1.00 !!!!!) :D who would be willing to download a search engine app and try it on an Lenovo Tablet. The app...

2 Replies

13297 Views

Last post by ConfiguratorHelp
Tue Nov 01, 2016 1:54 pm
Buying a used ThinkPad - some assistance

Last post by ConfiguratorHelp « Tue Nov 01, 2016 1:52 pm
Replies: 5
by ConfiguratorHelp » Thu May 15, 2014 8:49 am

Lots of us have at one time or another considered buying a used ThinkPad. One problem is that it is not easy to find all the specs without powering...

5 Replies

15353 Views

Last post by ConfiguratorHelp
Tue Nov 01, 2016 1:52 pm
HDMI and old laptop

Last post by TonyJZX « Fri Oct 21, 2016 10:54 pm
Replies: 3
by chriscrain1978 » Wed Oct 19, 2016 6:38 pm

Hey guys. I have an old laptop and a graphic card with a VGA output. I need to transfer the video signal about 25 ft to hook up an hdmi video panel....

3 Replies

10270 Views

Last post by TonyJZX
Fri Oct 21, 2016 10:54 pm
HOW CAN I TELL IF I HAVE INTEGRATIVE CAMERA FUNCTIONS?

Last post by Ladywiz « Tue Oct 18, 2016 1:57 pm
Replies: 15
by Ladywiz » Fri Oct 07, 2016 10:51 am

Hi, I have a Thinkpad T61 by Lenovo that I bought off of Amazon. I can see there's a little camera icon on the laptop top of the screen, but I can't...

15 Replies

14645 Views

Last post by Ladywiz
Tue Oct 18, 2016 1:57 pm
Ultrabay 2000 is no longer recognized on A31 IBM...but always used to work fine!

Last post by kfzhu1229 « Fri Sep 16, 2016 8:18 pm
Replies: 4
by URYYIC » Fri Sep 16, 2016 3:37 pm

The title says it all. I have a disc with all of my recordings on it. No OS. I always used it in my A31 and it was awesome! Then...suddenly...it is...

4 Replies

10126 Views

Last post by kfzhu1229
Fri Sep 16, 2016 8:18 pm
Concise list of all Thinkpad models (history) ?

Last post by cadillacmike68 « Tue Sep 06, 2016 10:30 pm
Replies: 10
by kstuart » Thu May 25, 2006 2:16 pm

Hello,

Is there a web page that has a concise list of all the Thinkpad models from the beginning to now?

I know about the PDF files, which are a...

10 Replies

39453 Views

Last post by cadillacmike68
Tue Sep 06, 2016 10:30 pm
GOING ON DSL STANDALONE ON MY LAPTOP T61 Can I Do It..

Last post by axur-delmeria « Mon Aug 01, 2016 2:40 am
Replies: 3
by Ladywiz » Sun Jul 31, 2016 4:18 pm

Up to now, I've been on an old desktop or a T61 Lenovo ThinkPad. I'm moving to my own apt. and will be losing my piggyback WiFi connection. I thought...

3 Replies

9519 Views

Last post by axur-delmeria
Mon Aug 01, 2016 2:40 am
How to find out original configuration

Last post by ajkula66 « Thu Jul 28, 2016 12:10 am
Replies: 3
by ac12 » Wed Jul 27, 2016 8:47 pm

I have the type code for a Thinkpad, but I can't find out how to get back to the original configuration.
Example: 2388-7JJ

3 Replies

9965 Views

Last post by ajkula66
Thu Jul 28, 2016 12:10 am
ThinkPad lid cleaning and renovation

Last post by HowardPlaxicoFong « Thu Apr 21, 2016 10:52 pm
Replies: 2
by bobcardone » Sat Mar 19, 2016 9:18 am

Hi all,
After many different attempts to restore distressed ThinkPad lids to their former gloried matte blackness, I think I've found a quick and...

2 Replies

15200 Views

Last post by HowardPlaxicoFong
Thu Apr 21, 2016 10:52 pm
Recovering data from password protected HDD, laptop broken

Last post by RealBlackStuff « Wed Jan 13, 2016 9:10 am
Replies: 5
by rodnebb » Wed Jan 13, 2016 4:27 am

Hi,
I have an old venerable X31 2672 which I've used until recently. Unfortunately, I put it on a bed and I believe it overheated - in any case it is...

5 Replies

11333 Views

Last post by RealBlackStuff
Wed Jan 13, 2016 9:10 am
Can you build a "new" Thinkpad?

Last post by aptivaboy « Sun Jan 10, 2016 12:28 am
Replies: 12
by aptivaboy » Fri Dec 18, 2015 12:34 am

This is going to sounds perhaps odd, but please bear with me. With the plethora of Thinkpad replacement parts out there, and I mean a plethora, would...

12 Replies

16503 Views

Last post by aptivaboy
Sun Jan 10, 2016 12:28 am
Cloning XP To Larger HD With Dual-Boot Partitions

Last post by sdi-p « Tue Dec 29, 2015 8:48 am
Replies: 5
by jimwg » Wed Dec 02, 2015 1:34 am

Seasons Greetings!

I wish to check my cloning procedure with others here.

I intend to move my R60 laptop's XP hard drive system which is on a 60gig...

5 Replies

13266 Views

Last post by sdi-p
Tue Dec 29, 2015 8:48 am
Cloning XP Pro without XP Install CDs & If possible Mint dual install

Last post by sdi-p « Mon Dec 28, 2015 1:29 pm
Replies: 2
by jimwg » Wed Nov 18, 2015 8:37 am

I've Googled lots of advice on this issue and are posting here because the techie community here is largely boots on the ground in actually _doing_,...

2 Replies

10554 Views

Last post by sdi-p
Mon Dec 28, 2015 1:29 pm
Upgrading memory on an A30

Last post by ajkula66 « Tue Sep 22, 2015 10:21 pm
Replies: 26
by Sudevan » Mon Aug 31, 2015 1:01 am

I've picked up some very nice machines recently, three from forum members, and some others from eBay. I will be describing them later, but I am very...

26 Replies

29779 Views

Last post by ajkula66
Tue Sep 22, 2015 10:21 pm

New Topic

143 topics

Return to Board Index

Forum permissions

You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum