Frequently Asked Questions

This section addresses frequently asked questions. Go to the page indicated in the following chart and do the specified action.

Questions Page
How to stop the screen from blanking ***
How to set the infrared port ***
How to set the serial port ***
How to switch the TrackPoint and mouse ***
How to set the display resolution ***
How to set the external monitor ***
How to maximize the battery life ***
How to install the operating system ***
How to use the Recovery CD ***
How to test/troubleshoot installed hardware ***
How to restart the computer if it locks ***
How to purchase accessories and upgrades ***
How to get service ***

To solve the problems discussed in this section, you need to use the ThinkPad Configuration program. To start the ThinkPad Configuration program, find the ThinkPad icon on the taskbar; then double-click on the icon.

The ThinkPad Configuration program window appears:
ThinkPad Configuration program window

Note:You can also start the ThinkPad Configuration program as follows:
  1. Click Start.
  2. Move the cursor to Programs, ThinkPad; then click ThinkPad Configuration.

My screen keeps blanking when I do not want it to. How do I stop this?
You can disable any system timers, such as the LCD turn off timer or the power management mode timers with the ThinkPad Configuration program.
  1. Start the ThinkPad Configuration program.
  2. Click the Power Management ( Figure butpm not displayed.) button.
  3. Using the Turn off monitor: item in the Power Schemes tab, you can set longer timeout values for the display or you can disable it by setting it to Never.
  4. Click OK to accept.
How do I use my infrared port as a communication port?
You can disable your ThinkPad's infrared port in order to free resources for another communication device, such as the serial port. If the infrared port is disabled, you need to enable it before you use it again. To enable your infrared port, do as follows:
  1. Save your work and quit any program you are using.
  2. Start the ThinkPad Configuration program.
  3. Click the Infrared ( Figure butir not displayed.) button.
  4. Click Enable.

    A "Warning" might appear that the hardware resource is in use by another communication device.

  5. Click OK. The computer restarts.
Note:If you check your infrared port and it is already enabled, you can use it immediately without changing any settings.

After your infrared port is enabled, you can use it as a communication port. If it does not work properly, you might have a problem with the communication software application on your system or the device that you are trying to communicate with. Check the online help system for your communication software if the other device appears to be working properly.

How do I use my serial port as a communication port?
You can disable your ThinkPad's serial port in order to free resources for another communication device, such as the infrared port. If the serial port is disabled, you need to enable it before you use it again. To enable your serial port, do as follows:
  1. Save your work and quit any program you are using.
  2. Start the ThinkPad Configuration program.
  3. Click the Serial Port ( Figure butser not displayed. ) button.
  4. Click Enable.

    A "Warning" might appear that the hardware resource is in use by another communication device.

  5. Click OK. The computer restarts.
Note:If you check your serial port and it is already enabled, you can use it immediately without changing any settings.

After your serial port is enabled, you can use it as a communication port. If it does not work properly, you might have a problem with the communication software application on your system or the device that you are trying to communicate with. Check the online help system for your communication software if the other device appears to be working properly.

How can I use an external mouse when I am at my desk, but then use the TrackPoint when I am away from my desk?
For a PS/2 mouse:

Connect the PS/2 mouse. The TrackPoint is automatically disabled. To use the TrackPoint again, disconnect the PS/2 mouse.

For a serial mouse:

To use a serial mouse, do as follows:

  1. Save your work and quit any program you are using.
  2. Connect the serial mouse.
    Note:If you have not previously installed a serial mouse, you need to install the serial mouse device driver. See the User's Reference for instructions.
  3. Restart the computer.

For a USB mouse:

To use a USB mouse, do as follows:

  1. Save your work and quit any program you are using.
  2. Connect the USB mouse.
Note:You can use the TrackPoint with the external serial or USB mouse simultaneously.
Why do I not get the highest possible resolution out of my external monitor when I am using the LCD and external monitor at the same time?
You can set any resolution for either the ThinkPad LCD or the external monitor. When you use both at the same time, the resolution of both is the same. If you set a higher resolution for the ThinkPad LCD, you can see only part of the screen at a time. You can see other parts by moving the image with the TrackPoint or other pointing device. You can change the display output type to the LCD, external monitor, or both with the Display Device buttons of the ThinkPad Configuration program or with Fn+F7.

You can set up the external monitor as follows:

  1. Start the ThinkPad Configuration program.
  2. Click the External Display( Figure sbutxd not displayed. ) button. The "Display Properties" window appears.
  3. Click the Settings tab.
  4. Click Advanced... button.
  5. Click the Monitor tab.
  6. Click the Change button.
  7. Select the Model and Manufacturer of your monitor.
  8. Click OK; then Close.
  9. Set the Colors and Screen area in the "Display Properties" windows.
  10. Click OK.
How can I set up the external monitor if the Windows Plug and Play feature does not detect it?
If the external monitor you connected does not work properly, then the computer has not recognized the Plug and Play monitor. Do as follows:
  1. Start the ThinkPad Configuration program.
  2. Click the External Display( Figure butmon not displayed. ) button. The "Display Properties" window appears.
  3. Click the Settings tab.
  4. Click Advanced... button.
  5. Click the Monitor tab.
  6. Make sure that Automatically detect Plug & Play monitors. is checked.
  7. If the option is checked and your monitor is still not recognized after you restart the computer, click the Change button.
  8. Select the Model and Manufacturer of your monitor.
  9. Click OK; then Close.
  10. If you are prompted to restart your computer, click on OK.
How do I maximize battery life?
To maximize battery life, do the following:
  • Use the battery pack until the charge is completely depleted (until the battery status and power LEDs flash in unison).
  • Recharge the battery pack completely before using (the battery is fully charged when the AC Adapter is plugged in and the battery status LED is green).
  • For a new battery pack or a battery pack that you have not used recently:
    1. Use the battery pack until the charge is completely depleted (until the battery status and power LEDs flash in unison).
    2. Recharge the battery pack completely before using (the battery is fully charged when the AC Adapter is plugged in and the battery status LED is green).
    3. Repeat these steps three times.
  • Always use power management features such as Advanced Power Management (APM), power modes, standby, suspend, and hibernation.
  • For more detailed information about power management features Figure arrow not displayed. Using Your Computer with a Battery Pack
How do I load a different operating system on my computer?

--Or--

Where do I get the ThinkPad device drivers for this operating system?

See Installing Software for information on installing a new operating system and device drivers.
How do I use the Recovery CD to reload my factory-installed ThinkPad operating system and applications?
See the User's Reference.
How do I test/troubleshoot my ThinkPad factory-installed hardware if I suspect a failure?
See Using the PC-Doctor Program.
How to I restart the computer if it locks, will not accept any input, or will not turn off using the power switch?
See Other Problems.
How do I purchase accessories and upgrades for my ThinkPad computer?
Please visit our Web site at http://www.ibm.com and click on Shop IBM. Here you can find a variety of accessories and upgrades that can purchased online to be used with your ThinkPad computer.
How do I arrange for service if I suspect my ThinkPad computer has a hardware problem?
If you suspect there may be ahardware problem with a factory-installed device on your ThinkPad computer, you can test that device by running diagnostics (see Using the PC-Doctor Program). If servicing the ThinkPad computer becomes necessary, this should be arranged by calling 1-800-772-2227 and speaking to a technical support representative who will make those arrangements for you.