Thinkpads Forum

T420

1. I use to get 1920 1080 option in the "screen resolution"
But recently the up limit has been reduced to 1600 900 for some reason.

2. Also I'm planing to do a clean install of my system, is it possible to extract my current WIN7 pro CDKEY and use it on a retail version of win7 pro?

3. Do I need any unique drivers for the clean system? where can I get them?

4. Is it possible to purchase a SDD and install it on my own?

Thanks!!

jjsrx wrote:T420

1. I use to get 1920 1080 option in the "screen resolution"
But recently the up limit has been reduced to 1600 900 for some reason.

2. Also I'm planing to do a clean install of my system, is it possible to extract my current WIN7 pro CDKEY and use it on a retail version of win7 pro?

3. Do I need any unique drivers for the clean system? where can I get them?

4. Is it possible to purchase a SDD and install it on my own?

Thanks!!

1. The T420 was never offered with a 1920x1080 screen (Source: http://support.lenovo.com/en_US/product ... D=PD015343). The only way I can think of that you had 1920x1080 before is if you had some sort of screen extension software, or if it was plugged into an external display.

2. You can find out what your current Windows 7 product key with this program: http://portableapps.com/apps/utilities/siw_portable
However, if your current Windows 7 is from the Lenovo factory image, entering that key into your new retail install will not work without injecting the Lenovo OEM certificate. Does your computer have a Windows 7 Pro product key sticker under the battery? The easiest way would be to download the Windows 7 Pro install disc from digital river (http://www.mydigitallife.info/official- ... tal-river/), and then use the key from the bottom of the machine.

3. You do need unique drivers. You will want to install "Lenovo System Update." It will search your system and give you a list of the drivers you need to download and install. It also gives you recommended software that you can choose not to install if you wish. Check it out here: http://support.lenovo.com/en_US/downloa ... D=DS012808

4. Absolutely! By far the best upgrade you can do to one of these, and it is SO EASY! See http://support.lenovo.com/en_US/product ... D=PD008474 for instructions.

jayton4 wrote:

jjsrx wrote:T420

1. I use to get 1920 1080 option in the "screen resolution"
But recently the up limit has been reduced to 1600 900 for some reason.

2. Also I'm planing to do a clean install of my system, is it possible to extract my current WIN7 pro CDKEY and use it on a retail version of win7 pro?

3. Do I need any unique drivers for the clean system? where can I get them?

4. Is it possible to purchase a SDD and install it on my own?

Thanks!!

1. The T420 was never offered with a 1920x1080 screen (Source: http://support.lenovo.com/en_US/product ... D=PD015343). The only way I can think of that you had 1920x1080 before is if you had some sort of screen extension software, or if it was plugged into an external display.

2. You can find out what your current Windows 7 product key with this program: http://portableapps.com/apps/utilities/siw_portable
However, if your current Windows 7 is from the Lenovo factory image, entering that key into your new retail install will not work without injecting the Lenovo OEM certificate. Does your computer have a Windows 7 Pro product key sticker under the battery? The easiest way would be to download the Windows 7 Pro install disc from digital river (http://www.mydigitallife.info/official- ... tal-river/), and then use the key from the bottom of the machine.

3. You do need unique drivers. You will want to install "Lenovo System Update." It will search your system and give you a list of the drivers you need to download and install. It also gives you recommended software that you can choose not to install if you wish. Check it out here: http://support.lenovo.com/en_US/downloa ... D=DS012808

4. Absolutely! By far the best upgrade you can do to one of these, and it is SO EASY! See http://support.lenovo.com/en_US/product ... D=PD008474 for instructions.

Wonderful.
I just notice the win7 key sticker under the battery. thanks!
The mSATA socket is also a surprise.
Do you have any info on the sata version? is it sata 2 or 3?
Thanks.

And I'm sure my t420 is of 1920 1080 resolution because I have paid 150$ or more for the upgrade option. I purchased it online from the lenovo canada offical site back in 2011. There were 2 or 3 screen upgrade plans, mine is called FHD and something and require 150$ more, and I have been using it since 2011.

Thanks for the reply

OMG I just googled to find out there are no 1920 1080 screen released for the t420

But I did paid 150 more for a unique screen that support the 1920 1080 resolution back in 2011 at the offical site.
And I have been using it for years as 1920 1080 until now.

Is there a place that I can find my hardware info using the serial number?

I have found the original box
the screen is called T420 14.0 HD+ Anti-Glare

And I have double checked the out of box resolution is 1920 1080

Wow! What a resolution! I wonder if you know the screen manufacturer and model number of the screen? I believe there are software programs out there that can tell you this information the names I don't remember.

Thank you,
John

jjsrx wrote:I have found the original box
the screen is called T420 14.0 HD+ Anti-Glare

And I have double checked the out of box resolution is 1920 1080

HD+ is 1600x900, which is what you are seeing. 1920x1080 is FHD.

And there NEVER were any T420 units with 1920x1080 LCDs, period.

End of story as well as the confusion associated with it.

jjsrx wrote:And I have double checked the out of box resolution is 1920 1080

Wha?