Clean Install Guide (works for 32-bit or 64-bit)

Stanlen nice work. What kind of firewall are you using with 64 bit Vista? I currently use ZA Free version on my XPP 32 bit version notebook (non Thinkpad). It's worked well for years but I understand there is not one for 64 bit Vista. Also, what kind of anti-virus will work with 64 bit Vista? Currently using eTrust for Windows Server 2003 (works with XPP). Looking for reliable freeware. The eTrust I got free during a promotion and I am concerned about its compaitibility when I install Vista on my T61.

 

Once I made my recovery disks, can I uninstall the programs? Also, is active protection a recommended think vantage utility?

 

I'm glad you guys got it worked out. Yes, Complete PC Back-up and Restore that comes with Business and Ultimate works like a charm. Make sure to read the F.A.Q. I have at the bottom of the guide for some useful information.

You can uninstall programs anytimeyou want to. That have nothing to do with making recovery disks. That information comes from the hidden partition.

As for ThinkVantage questions... please read the F.A.Q. at the bottom of the guide.

 

how do you install Windvd?

 

It's in the swtools folder:

\SWTOOLS\apps\dvdplay -> then click setup.exe

 

How do you exactly back up drivers and swtools to the usb drive
also, I cannot seem to find the wifi driver

 

The drivers are in the swtools folder. To back it up. Locate it -> right click -> select "copy" -> go to your USB drive -> right click -> select "paste".

to find the wifi driver, go to the guide and click on the "Driver Matrix Page" link -> select your laptop model -> click on "Networking: Wireless" then select the driver that correlates with your laptops wifi card. It could be any of these (it just depends on which one you ordered):

• Intel PRO/Wireless 2200bg, 2915abg, 3945bg, 3945abg, 4965ag, 4965agn Mini

• IBM 802.11a/b/g, 802.11b/g Wireless LAN Mini PCI Adapter

• ThinkPad 802.11a/b/g/n, 802.11b/g/n Wireless LAN Mini PCI Express Adapter

 

Ok thanks. Also once i extract the drivers, how do i run them from the hard drive and subsequently reboot

 

Each driver has installation instructions on the same page that you click to download the driver. There are some slight differences for each driver so make sure to read the install instructions asociated with each individual driver.

Aside from that, all I can offer you is what I have posted in the guide:

 

I have figured out how to install all the lost commercial preinstalled freebies (eg OmniPass, and the Microsoft DVD decoder pack for Vista Business)

Just copy all the files from the Lenovo recovery disk (the disks with just the single folder "RECOVERY") to your hard drive.

Run the following two commands at the command prompt in the copied RECOVERY folder:
REN *.CRI *.TXT
REN *.IMZ *.ZIP

You can then use the windows search feature to search inside the txt files for the program you want, for OmniPass use "Finger Print" and for the DVD decoder use "DVD". Then open the corresponding zip file and extract the files using the required password. For information on the passwords look here:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/archive/index.php/t-143797.html

For my 3000 N100 the passwords were all HURRICANES ie enter "xwbdbgmlbu" as the zip password.
Then run the setup files you extracted.

Be sure to read the instructions for the DVD decoder as you have to install both the files and the license key for it.

Using this I sucessfully installed OmniPass and the DVD codecs on my clean Vista Business install.

P.S. stallen you should add this to your FAQ.

 

Yo nice guide but i was wondering how would I know if i got a Wireless USB. I saw it on you guide when i was downloading all the drivers.

 

How can I test if my key has been successfully updated? When I look in control panel the key listed doesn't match the key in the txt file.

I wasn't able to use an anytime upgrade CD, I used a different vista cd.

 

You would have had to order it with wireless USB. One way to know is by looking at the green lights under your monitor. You will have a wirless USB symbol/green light if you have it. Also, you can go to Lenovo Thinkpad parts look up. You can find a link for that in the Thinkpad sticky.

Step 3.22 in the guide... If you did a clean install and you are activated, it worked.

 

The trouble is I used a naughty version of Vista that was pre-activated. So it was activated already, but not with my key. Obviously I don't want to be running a non-legitimate key - so I'm anxious to ensure mine is working.

I can't order an anytime upgrade cd to be sent to China

Update: I found a version that wasn't pre-activated. Got my clean install working great now. Thanks to all that have contributed to this thread.

 

Can't I just manually put the activation code from the program

 

No. That code must be associated with the OEM certificate to properly activate. that's why ABR backs-up and restores BOTH the activation code AND the OEM certificate.

 

Will a dell vista restore disc work for the clean install?

 

dell vista restore disc come preloaded with dell drivers. I would refrain from using that. Just try to get your hands on a MSFT Vista anytime upgrade dvd. If that is not possible, your best bet is to download it from torrent sites. Make sure you read the comments before downloading to make sure it is a legit download

 

Yeah... "restore" disks will not work. You need an install disk as outlined in the F.A.Q. at the bottom of the guide.

 

Hi,

After performing a clean install,
i could not install the HDAMODEM drivers,

i have the following error that pops up:

Driver Installation Failed: Could not find the MODEM device for this driver.

i checked in device manager but could not find any modems neither, tried the add hardware without any success and looked in the bios also...

Thanks for any Help,

 

What laptop do you have? Is this the driver you are trying to install?
http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site.wss/document.do?lndocid=MIGR-61454

 

Hello Stallen,

Yes this is the driver i'm trying to install.

i have a T61 Model 6457-6dg Vista Ultimate, Wifi, Bluetooth, TM, 3gb Ram, 100gb HD, Fingerprint....

the device was their before the clean install.
i also noticed this issue on another t61 i downgraded to xp at work.

Thanks,

 

I don't know what to tell you. Maybe the file you downloaded was somehow corrupt. You could try downloading the file again. Reboot. Then try to install it again.

You could also go to the swtools folder that you backed-up and try to install that modem driver. I guess it's possible that the driver that is available for download has become "flakey". Who knows.

If that doesn't work, I suppose you should just call tech support.

 

Hello!
My T61 came with Microsoft Vista Home Premium 32bit. I want to do a clean install and have access to Windows Vista Business DVD with serial number through Microsoft MSDN Program in my college.

Can I use this DVD instead of "Anytime Upgrade" disk?
Thanks!

 

thanks Stallen! i just finished my clean install of ultimate 64 bit on my PC last nite.

I was wondering if you installed thinkpad power management program on your pc becuase the windows one doesn't show how much left remaining and it seems kinda of not working

 

Yop,

Just to let you know that i got the T61 Modem Working.

- Installed UAA High Definition Audio Class Driver from MS. (as marked in the install instructions that i half read...)
- checked/changed Bios Setting: Security / IO Port Access / Modem / Enabled
- Installed HDAMODEM Driver.

Hope this might help to others also.

 

Hi there, i am going to do a clean install on my t61p. I wonder in what stage i can partition the hard drive, currently having all 200gb in one partition and would like to do seperate the size. i am new to this. Pls help. Thanks

 

You can partition your HDD during steps 3.11-3.12.

 

Thanks for the reply, but can i have more instructions on that pls, as in how exactly i should do it ??

 

I don't see any reason you couldn't use the Vista Business DVD and serial from your college.

Basically it is in the guide as Arkit3kt pointed out. Create the partition as outlined in the guide by clicking "New". Then select the size of your partition, then click "New" a second time to create a second partition and select the remaining size. It should be something like that. Just follow the on-screen prompts.

I have no need for more than one partition. Most people prefer to have one large partition these days. For the most part, the only people who want more than one partition are those who are trying to dual boot and have a shared partition for both OS's.

 

I don't use the Thinkvantage power management. Many people do. The battery life meter is much more accurate in ThinkVantage Power Management. However, for my needs, I would rather stick with Vistas power management.

BTW, thanks for the reps UCSCalan, all those restarts doing driver installs are indeed "death". Just make sure to image your hard drive using the Vista Ultimate/Business utility called Complete PC back-up and restore as outlined in the F.A.Q. of the guide so you won't have to go through the clean install again.

 

I am very much like you - I like to keep things "stock", to the full extent that is possible. My T61 shows up on Monday and I will be reinstalling it with my copy of Vista Business (provided by my employer).

Just some notes, in case they haven't already been covered:

• For graphics drivers (NVIDIA cards, like the Quadro), go to LaptopVideo2Go. They have "hacked" INF files that allow you to install the regular desktop NVIDIA drivers on notebooks. These drivers are almost always more up-to-date than the manufacturer drivers and should provide better performance.
• For advanced users, look into using RMClock for controlling your CPU. Vista's power management is good, but RMClock lets you tweak voltages which can help you squeeze a few more minutes out of the CPU.
• Consider downloading the ThinkVantage Active Protection System software. This software can help protect your drive if you drop your laptop. Note that this only works with Lenovo-supplied drives, if you have replaced your drive it's not going to do anything.

 

Hi, my T60 model is 2623-A24. Can someone tell me if it has turbo memory? The Lenovo tech doesn't seem sure!

Thanx peeps

 

i would doubt it since turbo memory was only initially offered on santa rosa platforms...which the t60 does not boast

 

Thanks but is there a way to confirm? Cheers!

 

check this page out - http://www.thinkwiki.org/wiki/Category:T60 and here http://www.thinkwiki.org/wiki/Intel®_Turbo_Memory_hard_drive_cache

T60 didn't come with Intel Turbo Memory.

 

Thanks heaps!

 

erm, after creating the recovery discs, is it possible to use it to clean install vista, rather than using a retail/OEM/anytime upgrade disc?

My intention is to delete the hidden partition and then clean install. But if using the recovery discs mean that the partition will be recreated, then no point!

pls advise!

 

No, you cannot do a clean install with Recovery Discs.

 

Thanks for your advice. I supposed I need an OEM/retail version of the business CD... since my country doesn't have windows anytime upgrade yet.

But I can simply borrow someone else's even though his key has been activated right? Since I'm just borrowing the installation disc but using my own laptop pre-loaded licence...

 

Yes. As long as you use your license and your product key, it does not matter what media you use.

 

hmm so say i'm using a Dell right now, and my bro is using the Acer 5920. he intends to reformat his laptop, he could use the OEM disc from Dell?? i noticed also, after he installed using my OEM copy, the product id is exactly the same as mine, mine says windows s activated. though. and in his Control Panel/ System screen, it shows the Dell logo in an Acer laptop!! Lol....

 

Probably. I think Dell has started to customize the OEM discs it send out, which would explain why the branding is all Dell. They'd have to modify the disc to make that happen. I've also heard that Dell is "forcing" systems to install with a specific version of Vista (business, ultimate), which also would require some sort of disc customization. You may be able to get around this using vLite though.

On the Acer laptop, it might install and work for 30 days, but after that I would guess that it will stop working. The activation system checks the hardware/BIOS, and eventually it will notice it's not on the right type of system.

 

i see. i used keyfinder and found another Home Premium Key in my laptop which is different from what I have right now and also different from the COA under my laptop. I used the supplied Dell disc to do a clean install of Vista. The product ID listed now (my windows is activated) differs from the key I found using Keyfinder. is this normal?

as for my brother's 5920, it didn't come with any Vista recovery dvd or installation discs. and the COA key does not work. his copy of Vista with came preloaded on his Acer is an OEM version. what can be done to activate his Vista with Acer customizations? and also activate his Vista Home Premium?

I'm surprised that my installation cd works and actually installs on my bro's Acer. Just worried because both our keys are currently the same, mine is activated.

 

What's the difference between the key on the COA and the one you have "right now"? Where did the one from "right now" come from? I don't mean the difference between the numbers, just where it came from. Was one of them from a retail version of Vista or something like that? It sounds like you have 3 different keys?

Why does the COA key not work? How did you do the install? Based on what you said, I'm thinking you used the Dell disc to install, then what? Did the Dell disc ever ask you for a key to type in?

If your brother tried to do online activation, it would probably fail. You should try to use the key from his laptop. You can do that by switching the keys in Vista. You have to make sure that the version he has installed now is the same one as the key lets him have, otherwise it will not work.

 

The one i have right now came from the OS Reinstallation Disc provided by Dell. Within the product id, it has OEM as part of the 5 part product ID, whereas the product ID scanned by Keyfinder comprises of only digits. The sticker on the bottom of my laptop has a different key altogether, hence the "3 keys". My own reinstallation is all fine and good. it's just my brothers.

He decided to try and use my Dell provided reinstallation disc. He managed to install Vista and the Dell disc never prompted for a key to type in. After installation, we checked and both our product IDs are the same, both being installed from the same Dell provided disc. He then tried entering the code at the bottom of his laptop and this did not work. Right now, his Acer has Dell customization in it, and would like to change it back to Acer customization. Acer currently does not provide their own reinstallation discs, and i heard from his vendor that any copy of Vista can be used as long as you use your own product key provided under the laptop, which in turn does not work. hmmm...

 

I was browsing through this thread, trying to find info on monitor drivers (as they're not listed in the instructions or FAQ). My question is: Is the above monitor driver required? It sounds as though the OP did not use the Lenovo monitor driver and therefore did not include it in the list. As someone with a Samsung monitor, is there another driver I should be aware of?

Also, I'm planning on installing Wifi, ethernet, and modem drivers from lenovo's driver matrix page. Aren't these necessary? Should they be on the list as well?

(Sorry if these are repeat or newb questions--this is my first clean install and I want to get it straight before I get going.)

 

OK, what you are seeing is numbers for different purposes. The key that you would type in during install is not the same as the product key that's listed in the system control panel. The key reported by keyfinder is the one you would need when doing a clean install, and would match the format, but not the numbers, of the key on the COA. The product key with the "OEM" in it is pretty useless, at least for the purpose of reinstalling.

They are the same because Dell has automated some part of that setup so you don't have to type in the license key or deal with the activation. That would normally work for a Dell, but I don't know what it will do for the Acer. I suspect it will not work longer than 30 days. You won't be able to activate your brother's system with that install. You will have to change the license key in Vista to the key on the bottom of the laptop, then you probably have to call Microsoft to activate it.

You may have wiped it out already, but I would be surprised of there was not a recovery partition on the Acer laptop. If there was, you could use that to recover his original key and activation so you can do a clean install without having to call MS.

 

can i check again... if the laptop came pre-installed with vista business, does it mean i have to get a retail/OEM vista business CD to do the clean install, if I don't have the anytime upgrade CD? Or can I use any other edition such as ultimate OEM to do the clean install? My intention is not to upgrade to ultimate but just to use the ultimate CD to install back the vista business. Read somewhere that all vista installation disc contains all the editions? Is it true?

 

Yes, the disc contains all editions. However some discs (Dell) may come with the disc pre-configured to install a certain version. I've heard of this with Business so far, but they might be doing it with others. I do not have access to any of these discs, but I think one might be able to remove that configuration if you were to use vLite on the disc to burn a new one.