How to Get Your ThinkPad Repaired:
Warranty Repairs and ThinkPad Protection

On Campus/Off Campus/International

On Campus

1. Go to the Help Desk on the main floor of the Voorhees Computing Center (VCC). Consultants are on duty to discuss your problem and help you with potential software issues.

2. If it appears to be a hardware problem, you will be referred to Rensselaer Computer Repair (RCR), an authorized ThinkPad repair center. RCR can handle most of the repairs covered by the ThinkPad warranty and ThinkPad Protection (covering accidental damage to your IBM T42, T43, or T60 series computer).

RCR is located in VCC 115 on the lower level of the VCC and is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. You can contact them at ext. 8178 or via e-mail at rcr@rpi.edu.

You may be eligible to pick up a loaner machine. Loaners are available on a first come, first served basis to students participating in the Mobile Computing Program who bring their laptop to RCR for repair. Use of a loaner is based on availability at the time of repair and you should be aware that while we will try to accommodate you, use of a loaner machine is not guaranteed.

Off Campus

To have your laptop repaired when you are off campus, call the ThinkPad Help Center at 1-800-426-7378. 

• Select option 1 for hardware technical support, option 1 for service call, option 1 for knowing your 4 digit machine type, enter your 4 digit machine type (2373 (T42) or 2668 (T43) or 2007 (T60)), then option 4 for all other hardware support questions. and a representative will pick up the line.
• To process your claim, you will need your laptop model number (2373R01 (T42), 2668RU3 (T43), 2007BE6 (T60)) and serial number (on the base of your laptop, starting with s/n ….).
• They will send you a pre-paid shipping box. Send your laptop to them in the box with an explanation of the problem. Your laptop will be returned to you at no cost for shipping. ThinkPad Support should typically fix your computer within 7-10 business days.

You can also choose to ship your machine to Rensselaer Computer Repair for service.

International

Each Thinkpad comes with a three-year limited manufacturer's warranty from Lenovo. This warranty is valid internationally, but, you must obtain an International Warranty Service Certificate (IWSC) first. If you are planning a trip out of the United States (this includes Canada, Mexico, and Puerto Rico), you should obtain your IWSC before you leave. This certificate authorizes ThinkPad Service Centers and Retailers worldwide to honor your warranty. The certificate may be obtained by calling the ThinkPad Warranty Service Office at 1-800-497-7426 (United States) or 248-740-1215 outside of the United States.

When you register for your certificate, you will need the following information: Machine type and Model Number, Serial Number, Purchase Date, will you be outside of the U.S.A. for 6 months or more? They will process your application and send you a certificate.

If you are outside the U.S.A. and do not have a certificate, don't panic. As long as you have your original proof of purchase (invoice), any ThinkPad retailer can assist you with obtaining a temporary certificate from theWarranty Service Office. Further information concerning how this program works and how to obtain your certificate may be obtained from the ThinkPad IWSO at 1-800-497-7426.

While Rensselaer Computer Repair can assist you with warranty repairs while you are on campus, it is not our policy to ship machines outside of the U.S.A. We suggest that you work with the ThinkPad reseller in the country where you plan to be traveling and the IWSO.

Please send questions to MOBILE-L@rpi.edu.

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