Last version of this file at www.schlackman.co.uk/programs/

ThinkPad Button Customiser

A program for reconfiguring the "ThinkPad" button on IBM T-Series ThinkPad computers.

• About
• Installation
• Un-installation
• Use

About

The ThinkPad button on T-Series laptops is normally reserved for running the Access IBM help system. This is all very well, but if you're an IT professional who doesn't need this help system, wouldn't it be nice to have the button do something more useful to you?

Well, yes it would. And now you can.

Please bear in mind that this program requires the ThinkPad Utility software to be installed. This is the software that allows the volume control buttons to work, so if they do, you've got it already. If not, check the IBM ThinkPad Driver Matrices to find it.

So far this program has been used successfully tested on T-Series and R-Series ThinkPads. I am well aware that other series have the ThinkPad button, and this program may or may not work with them. You could give it a try (at your own risk remember!). The worst it can possibly do is cause you to have to reinstall your Utility Software (a 5 minute job), and even that's unlikely. If it does work, please let me know!

Installation

Unzip the two executable files (TPadCust.exe and TPCLnch.exe) into a directory of your choice, and run TPadCust to begin.

Un-installation

Since the program alters the behaviour of the ThinkPad button, you should reset the button action to Default using the procedure below. Then, simply delete the two executable files.

Use

Upon running the TPadCust.exe file, you will be presented with the screen shown here. The selected option is to have the ThinkPad button perform the default action. If you have the Access IBM package installed, this will be the default action, otherwise it will almost certainly be set to nothing.
By clicking the Specified Action option, you can choose from a list of actions to perform when the ThinkPad button is pressed: Shutdown Shuts the computer down Restart Restarts the computer Log Off Logs off the current user Power Off Shuts down and powers off the computer. This may be the same as Shutdown on your system. Windows Key Acts as if the Windows key on the keyboard has been pressed. Useful if you do not have this key on your keyboard. Applications Key Acts as if the Applications key (context menu key) on the keyboard has been pressed. Useful if you do not have this key on your keyboard. Lock Workstation Locks the workstation against unauthorised use. 2000/XP only.
By clicking the Specified Application option, you can choose to run any executable file when the ThinkPad button is pressed. Click the Browse button to pick the desired application. You can specify any parameters with which to run the application in the Parameters box. You can also specify how the application should be named on the on-screen display (if you have this enabled) in the Display Name box, and whether it should run as Normal, Minimised, Maximised, or Hidden.

Click OK to implement the settings you have chosen, or click cancel to revert back to the settings in place before you ran the application.

Updates