ThinkPad - Technology Support Services

Documentation

The NMU MacBooks and ThinkPads are already pre-imaged wth the NMU software image when it is issued to you. If your comptuer needs the NMU software image restored or updated you will need to bring it the HelpDesk.

Since the involves erasing your hard disk please make sure to backup all critical files first. USB flash drives are available for check out from the NMU library circulation desk with a NMU Wildcat ID card. The HelpDesk can assist you with backing up your files if you need help.

Documentation

• System Information application
• Machine info application
• Label found on machine

System Information

     1. In the Start menu type "System Information" and select that option from the results.

     2. A window will appear, showing your computer's information. The computer model number as the 7th item from the top.

Machine info

The Machine Info application can be used to find the following information.

• Machine serial number
• MAC Address
• Host Name

The host name of your machine will contain three pieces of information, your NMU userid, the machine type, and image version. 

1. In the Start menu, or Classic Shell, type "Machine Info" and select that option from the results.

   

2. A window will appear, showing your computer's information. 

   

NOTE: Try using the label on the bottom of the machine if you are unable to identify your machine type using the above method.

Label located on the bottom of machine.

Every ThinkPad is stamped with a label identifying the machine type, model, and serial number. This lable is located on the bottom of the machine

Below is a sample of a label.

• ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 5  Model 20HQ

  

Documentation

T14s Standard (2021 Model)

T14 Gen 3 (2022 and 2023 Models)

T14 Gen 4 (2024 Model)

T14s Upgrades (2021 Models)

T14s 2021 Touchscreen

T14s 2021 with 32GB RAM

T14s 2021 with Touchscreen and 32GB RAM

P15s Gen 2 (2022 and 2023 Model)

P16s Gen 2 (2024 Model)

Documentation

The Lenovo System Update tool installs unique updates to your ThinkPad computer that are not included in the Microsoft updates. We recommend you routinely run System Update on a monthly basis and install the critical, recommended, and optional updates to keep your computer software up to date.

This page has been split into 2 sections. The first section covers installing the updates related to problems with audio, video and using projectors and takes about 20 minutes to complete. The second section covers installing the full set of recommended updates and takes about an hour to complete. You can do the first section and complete the second section at some later date if you would like.

• Section 1 Updates that Resolve Audio, Video, and Projector Problems
• Section 2 All Recommended Updates

Section 1 Updates that Resolve Audio, Video, and Projector Problems

WARNING: Lenovo System Updates can contain firmware updates. It is critical that firmware updates are not interrupted. Therefore, we recommend you preform the System Updates with the computer connected to AC power and a fast Internet connection (either NMU WiFi or NMU Ethernet) at a time and place where the update will not be interrupted. If this is something you do not feel comfortable doing yourself, please visit the HelpDesk and get a request to have Micro Repair perform the updates. You should back up your files prior to coming in and Micro Repair currently anticipates a 2 hour turnaround time to have your computer ready.
 

1. Close all other programs and applications.
2. Connect to AC Power.
3. Connect to a fast Internet connection (either NMU WiFi or NMU Ethernet).
4. Run Lenovo's "System Update".  To do this, click on the Windows icon found at the bottom left corner of the desktop on the task bar.  Type "system update" and choose it from the list of choices.
  
5. If this is your first time running System Update, it will need to update itself.
  
6. Once you are at the System Update home screen, it will look like this...
  
7. Click "Next" and System Updates will prepare all available updates for you to choose from.
  
8. Once you are able to perform updates, make sure the first update you choose is JUST to update “BIOS” under "Critical Updates" or "Recommended Updates".  You will be prompted to reboot your laptop.
  
9. The second update you should choose should JUST be “Intel HD Graphics Driver” under "Critical Updates".  You will be prompted to reboot your laptop.
  
10. The third and final update you should choose should JUST be “Conexant Audio Driver” under "Optional Updates".  You will be prompted to reboot your laptop.
  
11. While connected to projector in classroom via the 15 pin VGA cable, right click on desktop and choose display settings.
  
12. You will be brought to a screen where you choose "Advanced Settings".
  
13. Then click on the recommended resolution...
  
14. Reduce it to "1366x768"
  

Section 2 All Recommended Updates

The Lenovo System Updates also address network connectivity issues first identified on the T460s ThinkPads in August of 2016 and are recommended for the T460s with the fall 2016 NMU software image. For the T460s ThinkPads as of August 2016 these updates take approximately 1 hour to complete. 

WARNING: Lenovo System Updates can contain firmware updates. It is critical that firmware updates are not interrupted. Therefore, we recommend you preform the System Updates with the computer connected to AC power and a fast Internet connection (either NMU WiFi or NMU Ethernet) at a time and place where the update will not be interrupted. If this is something you do not feel comfortable doing yourself, please visit the HelpDesk and get a request to have Micro Repair perform the updates. You should back up your files prior to coming in and Micro Repair currently anticipates a 2 hour turnaround time to have your computer ready.

1. Close all other programs and applications.
2. Connect to AC Power.
3. Connect to a fast Internet connection (either NMU WiFi or NMU Ethernet).
4. Go to the “Start” menu and type “system update” and select “System Update” from the list of results. The program will start.  



5. The program will start and provide a System Update Welcome screen. Click “Next”.
 

6. The program will search for and download available updates.


7. If prompted to update the System Update tool click “OK”.


8. Lists of available critical, recommended, and optional updates will be displayed in 3 tabs. On the "Critical" and "Optional" tabs, check the “Select All” checkbox to select all the updates. On the "Recommended" tab, select the individual updates excluding "Lenovo Solution Center", "SHAREit", and "Lenovo System Interface Foundation." Click “Next” to begin the update process.


 


9. You may be prompted to download the updates, Click “Download.”


10. You may be prompted to restart your computer, click “Yes”
.

11. The updates will begin downloading.


12. Wait about an hour and expect at least one restart to complete the process.

Documentation

Notebook computers are precision machines that require a bit of careful handling. Though the ThinkPad computer is designed and tested to be a durable notebook computer that functions reliably in normal work environments, you need to use some common sense in handling it.

Below is a list of things you can do to prevent possible damage to your notebook computer.

• Turn off all attached devices.
• Turn off the computer and close the LCD.
• Unplug all external cables, devices, and cords connected to your computer before you relocate it. 
• Make sure all computer doors and covers are closed.
• Use a quality carrying case that provides adequate cushion and protection.
• Shut your computer off before transporting it.
• Back up your files often in case of damage.
• Be sure to keep your machine up to date to avoid software problems in the future.
• Make sure your computer is password protected.
• Regularly scan for viruses. Viruses can hide in places you wouldn’t expect and can slow down your machine without you realizing it.
• Always make sure that software you download has come from a reliable source to prevent viruses.
• Keep canned air handy to dust the machine regularly.
• A re-image isn’t a bad thing! Re-imaging your machine at the beginning of the year can help keep your machine updated and can better prepare your machine for new class-related software.

Below is a list of things you should not do.

• Subject your computer to physical punishment, such as dropping or bumping.
• Place heavy objects on your computer.
• Spill or allow liquids into your computer.
• Pack your computer in a tightly packed suitcase or bag. The compression might cause internal damage.
• Disassemble your computer.
• Scratch, twist, hit, or push the surface of your computer display.
• Place any objects between the display and keyboard or under the keyboard.
• Pick up or hold your computer by the display. When picking up your open computer, hold it by the bottom (keyboard) half.
• Turn your computer over while the AC Adapter is plugged in. This could break the adapter plug.
• Store your computer where the temperature is below 41° F or above 95° F (5° C and 35° C).
• Lend your computer to anyone while you are not present.
• It is not recommended to use your machine anywhere near sand, dirt, gravel, etc. Sand can get into small places in the machine and could cause problems.
• When cleaning the keyboard it is not advised to remove the keys yourself. It is possible to break a small piece on the key that holds it to the keyboard.
• Do not torrent software! While file sharing may not inherently be bad, it is sometimes used illegally and can make your machine vulnerable to a lot of different viruses!

Documentation

You should take care to clean your ThinkPad properly. Select a part of your computer to learn how to safely clean it. 

Case
Keyboard
LCD Screen

Cleaning your computer's case

• Prepare a small mixture of a gentle kitchen-use detergent (one that does not contain abrasive powder or strong chemicals such as an acid or alkaline). Use 5 parts water to 1 part detergent.
• Absorb the diluted detergent into a sponge or lint-free, soft cloth.
• Squeeze out the excess liquid from the sponge or cloth.
• Wipe the cover, using a circular motion and taking care not to let any excess liquid drip.
• Wipe the surface to remove the detergent.
• Rinse the sponge or cloth with clean running water and squeeze out any excess liquid.
• Wipe the cover with the clean sponge or lint-free, soft cloth.
• Wipe the surface again with a dry, lint-free, soft cloth.

• Wait for the surface to dry completely and then remove any fibers left from the sponge or cloth.

Cleaning your computer keyboard

• Absorb some isopropyl rubbing alcohol on a lint-free, soft cloth.
• Wipe the keytop surface with the cloth, ensuring no liquid drips on or between the keys.
• Allow to dry.

Notes: Never spray or pour any liquid cleaner directly on the LCD display or the keyboard. You can use compressed air to remove any crumbs and dust from beneath the keys.

Cleaning your computer LCD display

• Gently wipe the display with a dry, lint-free, soft cloth. If you see a scratch-like mark on your display, it might be a stain transferred from the keyboard or the TrackPoint pointer when the cover was pressed from the outside.
• Wipe or dust the stain gently with a dry, soft cloth.
• If the stain remains, moisten a lint-free, soft cloth with water or a 50-50 mixture of isopropyl alcohol and water that does not contain impurities.
• Wring out as much of the liquid as you can.
• Wipe the display again; do not let any liquid drip into the computer.
• Dry the display before closing the lid.

Notes: Anti-static LCD cleaning cloths and Kim Wipes are also acceptable alternatives. Isopropyl Alcohol is a flammable liquid. Do not use this cleaner near an exposed flame or when the system is on.