Readyboost in Windows 8

Hi,

Is the SuperFetch running? In Services it should show Running - Automatic.
Something may be preventing it from Starting even though you have it
set to START - Automatic.

If the USB drives do not pass the speed test when they are plugged in then the
ReadyBoost tab will not appear. Many cheap drives are not fast enough and
that includes a lot that claim they are ReadyBoost compatible.

USB Flash Drive Speed Tests - Any Drive Size - link to USBDeview Utility
http://usbspeed.nirsoft.net/ 

Publish a speed test of your USB flash drive - also link to the USBDeview utility
http://usbspeed.nirsoft.net/publish_usb_flash_drive_speed.html

Check with Lenovo Support, their on-line documentation and drivers, and ask in
their forums about any known issues. Check for updates to the BIOS, chipset,
and on-board drivers all of which can affect the USB system.

Lenovo Support and downloads
http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site.wss/homeLenovo.do 

Lenovo Forums
http://forums.lenovo.com/

========================================================

This is a general performance troubleshooter however the same methods will help to
see if there is something running causing issues with ReadyBoost. And you may need

to do a Refresh or even a Reset (even though you said it was not an option).

Are you using a 3rd party antivirus/antispyware/security program? If so many of those
can cause startup slow downs.

Check with the System Maker Support (Motherboard Maker for custom systems), their
on-line documentation and drivers, and ask in their forums about any known issues.
Update the BIOS, low level chipset drivers, and the major on-board and separate
device drivers (all of those can have a definite impact on boot speed and performance).

Note using Win Key + X and Win Key + W (to get to Control Panel, Run, and Settings
as needed). Win Key + D calls the desktop and the using Win Key toggles Desktop and
Start Screen.

Check Startup Programs.

Right Click in the lower left hand corner - Task Manager
Or WinKEY + X - Task Manager
Or Right Click the Taskbar - Task Manager

Check the StartUp tab.

More troubleshooting :

How to perform a clean boot to troubleshoot a problem in Windows Vista, Windows 7,
or Windows 8
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/929135

Other programs to help :

Autoruns - Free - See what programs are configured to startup automatically
when your system boots and you login. Autoruns also shows you the full list
of Registry and file locations where applications can configure auto-start settings.
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/bb963902.aspx

Process Explorer - Free - Find out what files, registry keys and other objects
processes have open, which DLLs they have loaded, and more. This uniquely
powerful utility will even show you who owns each process.
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/bb896653.aspx

=======================================================

If needed : (these are not normally needed to correct the above error however may be
if there are other performance issues.)

Try doing a "Refresh your PC without affecting your files" (or changing your personal
settings) or even a Restore. Removes all programs so be prepared to re-install those.
Have redundant backups of files off of the main drive just in case.

Windows 8 includes special methods to Refresh (keep files and settings)  or a Reset
(new install removing all). Same cautions about programs and backups apply.

How to restore, refresh, or reset your PC
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-8/restore-refresh-reset-pc

How to create a system image to refresh your Windows 8 PC
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2748351

How to Refresh Windows 8
http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/2293-refresh-windows-8-a.html

How to Reset Windows 8
http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/2302-reset-windows-8-a.html

Hope this helps.

Rob Brown - Microsoft MVP <- profile - Windows Expert - Consumer : Bicycle <- Mark Twain said it right!