Reset Lenovo Thinkpad to factory default settings

Step 1

Back up all of your important documents and data on the ThinkPad. To do this, connect a USB flash drive or external hard drive to the ThinkPad and copy and paste files to the external storage device. If your ThinkPad has a CD or DVD burner, you can burn the files to a blank disc if you prefer.

Step 2

Shut down your ThinkPad. If you have not already done so, connect the AC adapter to the ThinkPad and plug the other end into an electrical socket. You do not want to run out of power before the process is complete.

Related Reading: How to Restore IBM Computers to Factory Settings

Step 3

Press the power button to turn on the ThinkPad, and press the blue "Access IBM" or “Access ThinkPad” key on the keyboard as soon as you see the IBM or Lenovo logo. On most ThinkPad laptops, the blue key is just above the top row of keys on the keyboard. After a few seconds, the ThinkPad Product Recovery Program menu will appear on the display screen.

Step 4

Press the down arrow key until the cursor highlights the "ThinkPad Product Recovery Program" option and press “Enter.”

Step 5

Press the “F11” key after the ThinkPad Recovery Menu appears. Enable the “Restore Factory Defaults” option and follow the on-screen instructions to reinstall and customize your Windows operating system. The restore process also reinstalls other third-party software included on the computer when you first purchased it. During the restore process, enter a Windows username and password for the laptop when prompted.

Step 6

When prompted, press any key on the ThinkPad keyboard to restart the laptop. The ThinkPad will restart and boot into Windows. Log on with the username and password you created during the restore process.

Step 7

Connect your external USB flash drive or hard drive to the laptop. Copy and paste the data files you backed up before restoring the ThinkPad to its original configuration. Alternatively, copy and paste the files from a backup CD or DVD disc you created.

Step 8

Install other third-party applications or programs on the ThinkPad. To install applications not included in the default configuration, you must have the original installation discs or download the programs from the Internet.

Tip

• To help prevent future Windows corruption, install anti-virus and anti-malware software from reputable software vendors.

Warning

• Never attempt to restore the ThinkPad to its factory default configuration without first connecting the AC power adapter. If the ThinkPad battery fails during the restoration process, it could result in permanent damage to the hard drive.