A feature of IBM and Lenovo ThinkPad and ThinkCentre computers, ThinkVantage is a collection of utility programs that include a device driver finder, backup and restore utility, system diagnostics program, system maintenance and a support and help utility. The collection also includes a "Message Center" that alerts you when Windows and IBM/Lenovo system updates are available. ThinkVantage is accessible via a button on your computer's keyboard, as well as the "All Programs" menu within the Windows operating system.
Accessing ThinkVantage via Keyboard
Video of the Day
Step 1
Press the blue "Access IBM," "ThinkVantage" or black "ThinkPad" button above your IBM or Lenovo's keyboard. The button may be in the upper left or right corner above the keyboard, depending on your computer's model.
Video of the Day
Step 2
Use your computer's mouse to navigate the ThinkVantage dialog box. Click the "Access Help" link to obtain help files about your computer.
Step 3
Click the "PC Support" link to enter questions about your computer and receive feedback. Click the "System Information" link to receive your computer's specifications, including amount of memory present and total hard drive space.
Step 4
Click the "Backup Now" link to backup your IBM or Lenovo system to a partition on your hard drive or a removable medium. Click the "Launch maintenance tasks" link to perform tasks to clean up your computer's hard drive and memory.
Step 5
Click the "Message Center" link to retrieve messages sent from IBM or Lenovo. Click the "Update my system" link to retrieve the latest device drivers and updates for your computer directly from IBM or Lenovo.
Step 6
Click the "X" in the upper-right corner of the ThinkVantage dialog box to close the utility.
Accessing the ThinkVantage Rescue and Recovery Program
Step 1
Click "Start" and the arrow next to "Shut Down." Click "Restart." Your IBM or Lenovo system will begin to shut down and restart.
Step 2
Press the blue "Access IBM," "ThinkVantage" or black "ThinkPad" button above your IBM or Lenovo's keyboard when you see your computer's logo appear during the startup process.
Step 3
Click the "Restore your system from a backup" or "Restore individual files" link to restore your computer in the event of a hard drive crash, virus infection or other issue.
Step 4
Follow the onscreen prompts to complete the restoration process. Note you must have a stored backup file on your computer's hard drive before the restoration process can begin.
Tips & Warnings
- ThinkVantage is present on all IBM and Lenovo systems and the application is frequently updated directly from IBM or Lenovo. You will receive a message within the "Message Center" informing you when an updated version of the application is available.
- You can also access ThinkVantage by clicking "Start," "All Programs" and "ThinkVantage."