Thinkpads Forum

Hey there friends. I bought a T420 from Amazon a few days ago. It's the first and only ThinkPad I've ever owned. It seems to be in fairly good condition but I have some concerns...

I bought it along with an SSD, and I was going to do the install of that and the reinstallation of all the software myself this afternoon, however, it seems that the Data Media isn't present on the Lenovo Recovery Partition. I've done my research and If I understand it correctly, you can only make the boot and data media once per system install, right? I haven't done it at all yet! I've also tried to update the Lenovo ThinkVantage drivers but it runs into an error before it even seems to be able to authenticate with the Lenovo Help Center server. Furthermore...I can't download the Enhanced Backup and Restore tool.

I'm thinking that maybe this machine isn't on the level? Is there anything I can do aside from trying to contact the Amazon seller? I sent them a message a few days ago, even before I knew all this stuff because they sent me a machine with a 1366 x 768 display and the listing said 1600 x 900. That was annoying, but I'm pretty tech savvy and I was willing to let it slide if they just comp me the cash I need to buy the new display; but they haven't responded yet--I figure that's 'cause of the weekend. The shop looked legit, they do have a bunch of positive reviews and everything seemed to be on the level. I think I read somewhere that Lenovo can send you the recovery media, but I can't find the board that said it, and I'm wondering if they'll do it for a machine that's (presumably) way out of warranty.

Any insight?

Welcome to thinkpads.com!

Use the MTM link at the top of this page to determine how the system was originally configured (enter the NNNN-CCC model type from the bottom label or from the BIOS main page). That might tell you if somebody swapped out the original display. It could also tell you if the operating system is not original (i.e., it doesn't match what was loaded on it when it left the factory). However, if your system is a -CTO (Configure to Order), then you may have to use a Parts Lookup and see what was installed at the factory if there isn't a secondary label underneath with a non-CTO MTM code.

As far as the Rescue and Recovery operation goes, assuming that the hard drive still has a factory image on it, yes you are normally limited to making one set of recovery disks. If the system is not letting you make a set now, then I can only assume that the previous owner has already done so. I say "normally" as I believe there may be a way to fool/reset the flag or counter so you could make a set. I'll have to dig around here to verify that. However, you might be able to solve the issue without spending any money. If the system is still under factory warranty coverage, you can ask for a set from IBM Technical Support for free. You will get whatever OS was originally installed on the system (see: results from the MTM lookup or the COA on the system). Use this link to find the status of the warranty:

http://support.lenovo.com/us/en/warrantylookup

Supply the serial number (and model type if needed). If the system is still under warranty, call 1-800-IBM-SERV and navigate the phone tree for the Atlanta, GA support center for Thinkpad systems (1, 1, 1, 1 should be the sequence). If the system is not under warranty, you could still call the number and buy a set for about $45, however your next step should be to post a wanted ad here in the Marketplace forum and one of the members may be able to help.

P.S. You also have a PM from me!

Unless it is in excellent condition and seller refunds you at least $50-60, I would return that machine.