What Is a Lenovo Toolbox?

by Douglas Quaid
Lenovo Toolbox helps keep your Lenovo computer running like new.

Lenovo Toolbox helps keep your Lenovo computer running like new.

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Lenovo Toolbox, also called "Thinkvantage Toolbox", is Lenovo's dedicated support software for the company's "Think" lines of laptops, desktops and servers. The advantage of using Lenovo Toolbox over third-party diagnostic applications is that Lenovo Toolbox is specifically designed for Lenovo computers, and communicates with Lenovo's database of support, maintenance and troubleshooting information for the computers.

What Does Lenovo Toolbox Do?

Lenovo Toolbox integrates a wide range of support and diagnostic applications designed specifically for Lenovo computers. The software can analyze your computer's performance and hard disk allocation, and diagnose potential problems. For example, it will warn you if your laptop battery is losing its ability to hold a charge. The software also sends you support messages tailored to the specific requirements of your computer, saving you the trouble of searching through massive support databases when something goes wrong. Lenovo toolbox also keeps an eye on the status of your Internet firewall, anti-virus software and other security applications, and will alert you about potential security issues.

What Computers Can Use Lenovo Toolbox?

Because it's specifically designed for Lenovo "Think" brand computers, Lenovo Toolbar works only with "Think" series desktops and laptops such as the Lenovo Thinkpad laptops, Thinkcentre desktops, Thinkstation workstations, and Thinkserver Web servers. Lenovo Toolbox was released in December 2009, so if your computer was made after that, it probably already has Toolbox installed. If you have an earlier model computer, you can follow the link in the Resources section to download it from Lenovo's website.

Using Lenovo Toolbox

If you have a Lenovo laptop that was made after 2009, you can run Lenovo Toolbox any time by pressing the blue button on your computer's keyboard. You can also run Lenovo Toolbox by clicking its icon on the Windows Taskbar or on the "Start" menu. Lenovo Toolbox keeps an icon on the toolbar to send you relevant support messages, but the whole software only runs when you tell it to. Inside the software, you can run diagnostic tests on every aspect of your computer's performance and check for support messages. Left to its own devices, Lenovo Toolbox will automatically run periodic diagnostic tests on your computer.

Is Lenovo Toolbox Secure?

Although the software sends Lenovo diagnostic information about your computer to assist in tailoring support messages, it normally does not collect any personal information. The software only checks your computer's performance, and does not look at your personal information or files. Lenovo will ask for your personal information, such as your name, address, and telephone number, only if you need to replace your computer under the Lenovo warranty or purchase new hardware.

About the Author

Based in Los Angeles but born and bred in Brooklyn, N.Y., Douglas Quaid has been writing for various websites since 2010. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in film from Bard College.

Photo Credits

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