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Lenovo ThinkPad T420 4236 - User Manual

Lenovo ThinkPad T420 4236
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ThinkPadT420andT420i

Table of Contents

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Summary

Chapter 1. Product Overview

Locating computer controls, connectors, and indicators

Identifies and describes the physical controls, ports, and indicators on the computer.

Locating important product information

Details on finding essential labels like machine type, model, FCC ID, and COA.

Features

Lists key hardware features including processor, memory, display, and keyboard specifics.

Specifications

Provides technical details on size, heat output, power source, and battery specifications.

Operating environment

Outlines the recommended environmental conditions for computer operation and storage.

ThinkVantage Technologies and software

Introduces preinstalled Lenovo software for enhanced productivity, security, and system management.

Chapter 2. Using your computer

Register your computer

Instructions on how to register your ThinkPad product with Lenovo for support and notifications.

Frequently asked questions

Tips for optimizing ThinkPad notebook usage and troubleshooting common questions.

Special keys and buttons

Details on the functions of special keys like the ThinkVantage button and numeric keypad.

Using the UltraNav pointing device

How to use and configure the TrackPoint and touch pad for cursor control and interaction.

Power management

Managing battery power, checking status, and using AC power adapters effectively.

Connecting to the network

Connecting to wired LAN or wireless LAN networks using Ethernet or modem features.

Wireless connections

Information on Wireless LAN, WAN, Bluetooth, and WiMAX connectivity options.

Using a projector or external display

Connecting and configuring external monitors or projectors for presentations.

Using the NVIDIA Optimus Graphics feature

Information on how NVIDIA Optimus Graphics switches between performance and power saving.

Using audio features

Details on using the combo audio jack, built-in speakers, and microphones.

Chapter 4. Security

Attaching a mechanical lock

How to attach a physical lock to the computer to prevent theft.

Using passwords

Setting up power-on, hard disk, and supervisor passwords to protect computer access.

Hard disk security

Enhancing security for drives using UEFI BIOS, security chip, and BitLocker encryption.

Setting the security chip

Configuring the embedded security chip for data protection and access control.

Using a fingerprint reader

Enrolling and using fingerprint authentication for system access and security.

Notice on deleting data from your hard disk drive or solid state drive

Procedures for securely deleting data before disposing of or selling the computer.

Using and understanding firewalls

How firewalls protect against network security threats and unauthorized access.

Protecting data against viruses

Using preinstalled antivirus software to detect and eliminate viruses.

Chapter 5. Recovery overview

Creating and using recovery media

Steps to create and use recovery media for restoring the computer to factory settings.

Performing backup and recovery operations

How to back up and restore computer data using the Rescue and Recovery program.

Using the Rescue and Recovery workspace

Performing recovery operations like rescuing files or restoring the system from backups.

Creating and using a rescue medium

Creating a rescue medium (disc or USB) to recover the computer from failures.

Reinstalling preinstalled applications and device drivers

Procedures for reinstalling factory-installed applications and essential device drivers.

Solving recovery problems

Troubleshooting steps for issues when accessing the recovery environment or rescue media.

Chapter 6. Replacing devices

Installing and replacing a PCI Express Mini Card for wireless LAN;WiMAX connection

Instructions for installing or replacing a PCI Express Mini Card for wireless LAN/WiMAX.

Installing and replacing the PCI Express Mini Card for wireless WAN

Procedure for installing or replacing a PCI Express Mini Card for wireless WAN connectivity.

Replacing the SIM card

Steps for replacing the Subscriber Identification Module (SIM) card for wireless WAN connections.

Replacing the solid state drive

Guide for replacing the internal solid state drive (SSD) with a new one.

Chapter 7. Enhancing your computer

Finding ThinkPad options

Information on acquiring accessories and upgrades to expand computer capabilities.

Using the serial Ultrabay enhanced

How to use the serial Ultrabay enhanced for installing devices like drives.

Replacing the device

Procedure for replacing a device in the Ultrabay.

Performing a hot swap

Connecting or removing devices while the computer is operating.

Performing a warm swap

Connecting or removing devices while the computer is in sleep (standby) mode.

Inserting the hard disk drive into the adapter

Steps to insert a hard disk drive into the serial hard drive bay adapter.

Inserting the hard disk drive adapter into the bay

Procedure to insert the hard drive adapter with drive into the computer's serial Ultrabay.

Security feature

Using a mechanical lock with the security keyhole on docking stations for physical security.

Using the system lock key

How to use the system lock key to secure the eject button on docking stations.

Chapter 8. Advanced configuration

Installing a new operating system

Guide to installing a new OS, including supplement files and device drivers.

Installing Windows 7

Detailed steps for installing the Windows 7 operating system and related software.

Installing Windows Vista

Steps for installing Windows Vista and its service packs and related software.

Installing Windows XP

Instructions for installing Windows XP, including service packs and necessary drivers.

Installing device drivers

Procedures for installing essential device drivers from the web or local directories.

Installing the driver for the 4-in-1 Media Card Reader

How to download and install the driver for the 4-in-1 media card reader.

Installing ThinkPad Monitor File for Windows 2000;XP;Vista;7

Steps to install the monitor file for display settings across Windows versions.

ThinkPad Setup

Accessing and configuring BIOS settings for various system parameters.

Config menu

Options within ThinkPad Setup for configuring network, USB, keyboard, display, and power settings.

Date and time menu

How to set the system's current date and time within ThinkPad Setup.

Security menu

Configuring security features like passwords, fingerprint, and BIOS settings.

Startup menu

Changing the computer's boot sequence and startup options.

Updating your system UEFI BIOS

Process for updating the UEFI BIOS for system improvements and compatibility.

Using system management

Features for managing the computer remotely, intended for network administrators.

Wake on LAN

Enabling remote power-on of the computer over a network.

Chapter 9. Preventing problems

General tips for preventing problems

Basic advice for maintaining the computer and avoiding common issues.

Making sure device drivers are current

How to download and install the latest device drivers for optimal performance.

Getting the latest drivers from the Web site

Instructions for obtaining updated drivers from the Lenovo website.

Getting the latest drivers using System Update

Using the System Update program to automatically find and install software updates.

Taking care of your computer

Practical tips for handling the computer to ensure its longevity and performance.

Be careful about where and how you work

Precautions regarding working environment, static electricity, and temperature.

Be gentle with your computer

Guidelines for handling the computer carefully to prevent physical damage.

Carry your computer properly

Instructions on how to safely move and transport the computer.

Handle storage media and drives properly

Proper handling of optical discs, drives, and removable storage media.

Take care in setting passwords

Reminders about managing and remembering passwords to avoid data loss.

Care for the fingerprint reader

How to clean and maintain the fingerprint reader for optimal performance.

Register your computer

Benefits and process of registering ThinkPad products with Lenovo for support.

Be sure not to modify your computer

Emphasizes using only authorized technicians for computer disassembly and repair.

Tips on using the built-in modem

Advice on using the modem with analog phone lines and country-specific regulations.

Chapter 10. Troubleshooting computer problems

Diagnosing problems

Using diagnostic tools like Lenovo Solution Center or ThinkVantage Toolbox to identify issues.

Using the Lenovo Solution Center program

How to use the Solution Center for troubleshooting, system info, and recovery media creation.

Using the Lenovo ThinkVantage Toolbox program

Utilizing ThinkVantage Toolbox for problem diagnosis, solutions, and automatic notifications.

Using the Lenovo Support Web site

Accessing diagnostic information and support online via the Lenovo website.

Troubleshooting

General steps to identify and resolve computer errors based on messages or beep codes.

Computer stops responding

Procedures for handling unresponsive computer states and performing resets.

Spills on the keyboard

Immediate actions to take if liquids are spilled on the keyboard to minimize damage.

Error messages

Explanations and solutions for common error messages encountered during system operation.

Errors without messages

Troubleshooting steps for issues like blank screens or cursor-only displays without error codes.

Beep errors

Interpreting beep codes to diagnose hardware problems like memory or system board issues.

Memory problems

Checking memory installation, configuration, and running diagnostics to resolve memory issues.

Modem and networking

Common problems related to modem and network connectivity, including solutions.

Ethernet problems

Troubleshooting steps for issues with network connectivity via Ethernet.

A wireless LAN problem

Solutions for problems connecting to a wireless LAN, including driver and range issues.

A wireless WAN problem

Addressing issues with unsupported or unauthorized wireless WAN cards.

Bluetooth problems

Troubleshooting common issues with Bluetooth connectivity and audio devices.

Keyboard and other pointing devices

Common problems related to the keyboard, UltraNav, and pointing devices.

Keyboard problems

Solutions for keys not working, including issues with external numeric keypads.

Display and multimedia devices

Common issues related to the computer screen, external monitors, audio, and optical drives.

Computer screen problems

Troubleshooting steps for blank, unreadable, or distorted computer screens.

External monitor problems

Solutions for external monitor issues like blank screens or incorrect resolution.

Audio problems

Troubleshooting sound playback and recording issues, including microphone boost.

Fingerprint reader problems

Solutions for issues with fingerprint reader dirtiness, enrollment, or authentication.

Battery and power

Information on diagnosing and resolving battery and power-related problems.

Battery problems

Troubleshooting common battery issues like over-discharge, short operating time, or charging failures.

AC power adapter problems

Steps to resolve issues where the AC adapter is not recognized or the indicator light is off.

Power problems

Basic checks for computers not receiving power, including power switch and connections.

Sleep (standby) and hibernation problems

Resolving issues where the computer enters sleep/hibernation unexpectedly or fails to resume.

Drives and other storage devices

Troubleshooting problems related to hard disk drives, solid state drives, and optical drives.

Hard disk drive problems

Diagnosing issues like rattling noises or the hard disk drive not working.

Solid state drive problems

Solutions for slow file operations when using data compression on solid state drives.

Optical drive problems

Troubleshooting issues with CD/DVD drives not working, making noise, or not reading discs.

Software problems

Steps to resolve issues where an application does not run correctly.

Ports and connectors

Common problems related to USB ports and docking stations or port replicators.

Universal Serial Bus problems

Troubleshooting devices connected to USB ports not working.

A docking station or port replicator problem

Resolving issues where the computer does not start or respond when connected to a dock.

Chapter 11. Getting support

Before you contact Lenovo

Information on self-help resources and preparing for technical support contact.

Register your computer

Benefits and process of registering ThinkPad products with Lenovo for support.

Download system updates

How to download and install updated software and drivers from Lenovo.

Record information

Essential information to record about the computer and problem symptoms before contacting support.

Getting help and service

Overview of available Lenovo support resources, including documentation and technical assistance.

Using diagnostic programs

How to use preinstalled diagnostic programs to identify hardware problems.

Lenovo Support Web site

Accessing technical support, drivers, and user guides via the Lenovo website.

Calling Lenovo

Information on how to contact Lenovo support via telephone for problem determination and hardware repair.

Appendix A. Regulatory information

Wireless related information

Details on wireless interoperability standards and Bluetooth profiles supported.

Usage environment and your health

Information on radio frequency emissions from wireless cards and health considerations.

Location of the UltraConnect wireless antennas

Diagrams showing the locations of wireless antennas in the computer display.

Locating wireless regulatory notices

How to find wireless regulatory information online from Lenovo.

Export classification notice

Information regarding the product's export classification and re-export restrictions.

Electronic emission notices

Notices related to electronic emissions compliance for specific ThinkPad T420/T420i machine types.

Federal Communications Commission Declaration of Conformity

FCC compliance statement for the device, including interference and operation conditions.

Industry Canada Class B emission compliance statement

Canadian emission compliance statement for the digital apparatus.

European Union - Compliance to the Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive

EU conformity statement for electromagnetic compatibility.

German Class B compliance statement

German compliance statement regarding electromagnetic compatibility and equipment standards.

Japanese VCCI Class B statement

Japanese compliance statement for VCCI Class B devices.

Lenovo product service information for Taiwan

Lenovo service information specific to Taiwan.

Additional regulatory information

Reference to additional regulatory information available from Lenovo.

Appendix B. WEEE and recycling statements

EU WEEE statements

Information on Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) mark and EU directives.

Battery recycling information for Japan

Guidelines for collecting and recycling disused Lenovo computers and monitors in Japan.

Disposing of a Lenovo computer components

Methods for disposing of components with heavy metals or environmental substances.

Disposing of disused lithium batteries from Lenovo computers

Instructions for safely disposing of button-shaped lithium batteries.

Disposing a disused battery pack from Lenovo notebook computers

Procedures for disposing of lithium-ion or NiMH battery packs from Lenovo notebooks.

Battery recycling information for Brazil

Brazilian regulations and procedures for recycling electronic waste and Lenovo products.

Battery recycling information for European Union

EU directive on battery recycling and requirements for collection and treatment.

Battery recycling information for United States and Canada

Information on battery recycling programs in the US and Canada.

Appendix C. Notices

Trademarks

List of trademarks and registered trademarks of Lenovo and other companies.

Lenovo ThinkPad T420 4236 Specifications

General IconGeneral
Operating SystemWindows 7 Professional
Webcam720p HD
ProcessorIntel Core i5-2520M
RAMUp to 8GB DDR3
Storage320GB HDD
Display14 inch, 1366 x 768
GraphicsIntel HD Graphics 3000
Battery6-cell Lithium-Ion
Optical DriveDVD Recordable
PortsVGA, Ethernet
WirelessBluetooth 3.0
SecurityFingerprint reader, TPM
Dimensions13.4 x 9.05 x 1.2 inches (340.5 x 230 x 30.5 mm)

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