Question on the "Thinkpad" button on the keyboard

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SaberX · #1 Post by **SaberX** » Sun Apr 15, 2007 12:35 pm

Most of the thinkpads i had have had this "Thinkpad" button on the keyboard.
But none of the systems seem to have software for it.When i hit the button nothing happends.
I have a T22 now and want to know what software to download from IBM to get it running.
I dont have the restore disk's for the laptop.I install my own store bought copy of XP.

#2 Post by **jdhurst** » Sun Apr 15, 2007 12:38 pm

SaberX wrote:<snip>
But none of the systems seem to have software for it ...... I install my own store bought copy of XP.

I think you answered your own questions. All ThinkPads with the button have the software. But then, again, its value is dubious, so consider not using it. ... JDH

joester · #3 Post by **joester** » Sun Apr 15, 2007 2:08 pm

Congratulations on the "new" T22!

I have a T21 and had the same question not long ago...

Then I borrowed a Thinkpad restore disk and loaded the IBM software. The only difference I have seen is that the thinkpad now looks to IBM for software updates that I already had, and there is a flash type program that runs and makes it easier to access the different systems in the thinkpad (combine the control panel and file manager and you get the idea).
You're not really missing much as jdhurst pointed out.

SaberX · #4 Post by **SaberX** » Sun Apr 15, 2007 3:42 pm

Thanks
I like the T22.
I just need more ram for it.128 megs and running XP Pro is not the best.
As for the thinkpad button,i just dident know if there was any system settings that i was missing out on.I have downloaded the software from IBM to get the onscreen and the other buttons working.
Now if i can just find some 256's at a good price....

Andersonjoe711 · #5 Post by **Andersonjoe711** » Thu Apr 26, 2007 3:13 pm

there's some driver and program to download off of Lenovo to enable that button.

I think Lenovo/IBM also supplies a program to re-program that button to do whatever you want it to.

Don't quote me on that though, it might just be some 3rd party software I saw somewhere.

zahir · #6 Post by **zahir** » Mon Apr 30, 2007 3:27 pm

infact a better use would be installing a small 3rd party software to customise the use of that button for a program of your choice.... like outlook or word or whatever works for you

Click here to view the thread

truk · #7 Post by **truk** » Sun May 06, 2007 8:41 pm

There's actually a setting in the windows registry that allows you to enable/change it's function.

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\IBM\TPHOTKEY\8001]

add a string named file with a value of the program you want to run (may need quotes.)

You can also add a string called dispname to control the onscreen display message (although I believe this doesn't work on some versions.)

Hope this helps!

bontistic · #8 Post by **bontistic** » Mon May 07, 2007 1:36 am

truk wrote:Hope this helps!

This tip is amazing. Now I am able to map any application on this button. No need for quotes on my end.

Would you know if the other keys modify the other buttons as well? i.e. Volume keys, Fn+Fx combinations?

w0qj · #9 Post by **w0qj** » Mon May 07, 2007 10:02 am

You can set your blue Thinkpad button to launch any program with this program:

http://forums.x1.com/viewtopic.php?t=2515

bontistic · #10 Post by **bontistic** » Mon May 07, 2007 11:02 am

Thanks.

I would find it easier to use the registry editor than install another program. Was looking for a key to remap the other keys that I do not use like Fn+Spacebar for example, it would be nice to map it to say forum.thinkpads.com homepage.

Also, if you have read the link provided by Zahir above, you will notice that the link you provided is already mentioned there right at the top.

Question on the "Thinkpad" button on the keyboard

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