Chapter 9. Preventing problems

An important part of owning a ThinkPad notebook computer is maintenance. With proper care, you can avoid common problems. The following sections provide information that can help you to keep your computer running smoothly.

“General tips for preventing problems” on page 125

“Making sure device drivers are current” on page 126

“Taking care of your computer” on page 127

General tips for preventing problems

1.If your computer is equipped with both a hard disk drive and an mSATA solid-state drive, you are not recommended to use the mSATA solid-state drive as a bootable device. The mSATA solid-state drive is designed and developed for “cache” function purpose only. If you use the mSATA solid-state drive as a bootable device, its reliability is not guaranteed.

2.Check the capacity of your hard disk drive from time to time. If the hard disk drive gets too full, the Windows operating system will slow down and might produce errors.

To check the hard disk drive capacity, click Start Computer on the Windows 7 operating system. For the Windows 8 operating system, open Windows Explorer and click Computer.

3.Empty your recycle bin on a regular basis.

4.Use disk defragment tool regularly on your hard disk drive to improve data seek and read times.

5.To free up disk space, uninstall unused programs.

Note: You might also want to look for program duplication or overlapping versions.

6.Clean out your Inbox, Sent, and Trash folders from your e-mail client program.

7.At least once a week, make a point to back up your data. If critical data is present, it is a good idea to perform a daily backup. Lenovo has many backup options available for your computer. Rewritable optical drives are available for most machines and are easily installed.

8.Use or schedule System Restore to take a system snapshot periodically. For more information about System Restore, see “Performing backup and recovery operations” on page 62.

9.Update device drivers and UEFI BIOS when needed.

10.Profile your machine at http://www.lenovo.com/support to keep up to date with current drivers and revisions.

11.Ensure device drivers for non-Lenovo peripheral devices are kept up to date. You might want to read the device driver information release notes prior to updating for compatibility or known issues.

12.Keep a log book. Entries might include major hardware or software changes, driver updates, minor issues you have experienced and how you resolved the minor issues.

13.If you ever need to run a recovery on your computer to return the preload onto the machine, the following tips might help along the way:

Remove all external devices such as the printer, keyboard and so on.

Ensure that your battery is charged and that you have the ac power connected.

Boot into the UEFI BIOS and load the default settings.

Restart the computer and start the recovery operation.

If your computer uses discs as the recovery media, do not remove the disc from the drive until prompted to do so.

14.For suspected hard disk drive issues, refer to “Diagnosing problems” on page 131 and run a diagnostic test of the drive before you call the Customer Support Center. If your computer does not start up,

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Lenovo L430, L530, 24684XU manual Preventing problems, General tips for preventing problems, 125

24684XU, L430, L530 specifications

The Lenovo L530 and L430 are part of the ThinkPad series of laptops, which are designed to cater to business professionals by providing robust performance, durability, and security features. The L530, a larger variant, is designed to meet the needs of users who require efficient multitasking capabilities, while the L430 is more compact, catering to professionals on the go.

One of the main features of the Lenovo L530 is its Intel Core processor, which offers various configuration options ranging from Intel Core i3 to i7. These processors ensure that the laptop delivers exceptional performance for demanding applications and multitasking workflows. The L530 typically comes with up to 8GB of RAM, enhancing its ability to run multiple applications smoothly.

For the L430, it also features a range of Intel Core processors, providing a balance between performance and power efficiency. With a maximum of 8GB RAM, it is designed to handle everyday business tasks with ease, making it perfect for users who need a reliable machine without the bulk.

Both models feature a 15.6-inch and 14-inch display, respectively, with options for HD and HD+ resolutions. This ensures vibrant visuals for presentations and media consumption alike. The keyboards are characteristic of the ThinkPad series, offering a comfortable typing experience with excellent key travel and feedback, making long hours of work less taxing.

In terms of storage, both laptops offer HDD and SSD options, allowing users to choose between larger storage capacities or faster boot and load times. Connectivity is another strong point, with multiple USB ports, HDMI, and Ethernet options, ensuring that users can connect various peripherals effortlessly.

Security is paramount in Lenovo's offerings. The L530 and L430 come equipped with features such as a fingerprint reader, Trusted Platform Module (TPM) for data encryption, and customizable privacy settings, catering to security-conscious professionals.

Additionally, both models boast robust build quality, adhering to military specifications for toughness. Durability means they can withstand the rigors of daily travel and usage, which is a significant consideration for business users.

Lenovo's energy-efficient technologies are also worth mentioning, promoting longer battery life and lower power consumption. Businesses can rely on these laptops for extended usage without frequent recharges, enhancing productivity.

Overall, the Lenovo L530 and L430 represent solid choices for business-oriented laptops, offering the balance of performance, portability, and security that professionals demand in today’s fast-paced work environment.