ThinkPad guides
Understand BIOS locks, check used ThinkPads and prepare for shipping. With guidance on device batches and experience from our service.
SVP · CBA · Methods
ThinkPad BIOS password reset: methods and limits
Resetting a ThinkPad BIOS password: what can CMOS battery removal, EEPROM, MFG and LPC methods achieve? Sources and technical limits explained.
CBA · Certificates
ThinkPad CBA: BIOS certificate authentication
Lenovo ThinkPad CBA explained: supervisor certificates, one-time codes, QR or hex prompts, supported generations and release before resale.
Buying · Incoming checks
Used ThinkPads: checks before purchase and on arrival
A checklist for used ThinkPads: check BIOS access, SVP and CBA prompts before buying, and record locks when accepting individual devices or batches.
Storage · Shipping
Shipping your ThinkPad: SSD, backups and packaging
Prepare your ThinkPad or detached mainboard for BIOS unlocking: SSD removal, BitLocker recovery, required order information and protective packaging.
Businesses · Single devices
ThinkPad unlocking: device batches and single devices
Plan ThinkPad unlocking for ITAD providers, refurbishers or private customers: record models, clarify authorisation and enquire about batches or one device.
Service cases
ThinkPad unlocking: cases from our service
Three cases from our service: more than 50 mainboards for repair centres, devices in active business use and an order from Sweden.
The FAQ provides short answers about error messages, prices and processing. The guides explain the background and related topics in more detail.