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

I don't think that is correct. I have not personally ever used the recovery disks, but from what I have read here on the forum is that the recovery disks will completely restore your hard drive including the hidden partition and new product key. Even if your hard drive was wiped clean prior to recovery.

 

I have followed your instructions, and for the most part it went really smooth. I am working with a t60 with XP Pro. After I went through the whole thing, I have 2 items in the device manager that did not install properly. Here they are:

1) PCI Deivce - it is located under the IDE ATA/ATAPI Controllers
2) Unknown Device - located under the other devices

Any ideas would be great.

Thanks!
Brian

 

Figured it out. TPN for windows XP

http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site.wss/MIGR-58054.html

 

Err... still having the issue with the PCI Device, so any thoughts you have on that would be great.

Thanks,
Brian

 

It is sometimes difficult to figure out what driver has not been installed. You have three things you can try.

1. Go to the driver matrix page (link in the guide) and look through the lists of drivers. Make sure that you installed all drivers that apply to your laptop configuration.

2. Try going to: http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com/ and running windows update. See if it suggests any drivers. If so, don't allow windows update to install that driver. Instead, go to the driver matrix page, download and install the driver.

3. Install ThinkVantage System Update. This utillity is available from the driver matrix page. I personally don't trust this utility to properly install drivers. There have been many reports that this utility will install older drivers than what is available and sometimes it improperly installs drivers and BIOS updates. HOWEVER, it might be usefull in your case to run the utility to determine what driver(s) you might have that are missing. Just don't allow the utility to install the drivers. After the utility tells you what drivers are missing, shut down the utility and download the drivers from the matrix pge and install them yourself.

Good Luck.

 

great. I will try that and let you know how it goes!

Thanks!
Brian

 

What a great thread..

I have some questions. I would like to do this clean install but retain my hidden partition w/ recovery OS, rescue media (have access if I need it). Basically I want to be able to hand pick what I want to install in my OS. I would like to install ThinkVantage programs (especially recovery media, rescue recovery).

Is this possible? Would reinstall of ThinkVantage tools give me as much processes as before? I would like a safety net of sorts if I screw up all I need to do is reboot and run a fresh install via the utility.

Thanks in advance.

 

Re-installing all of the Thinkvantage tools would be a little counter productive in my opinion. You will not have quite as many processes running as before, but it will be close and it is a lot of "bloat". I would recommend reading this F.A.Q. at the bottom of the guide: • What is ThinkVantage? and clicking the link I provided to read a description of each ThinkVantage tool and only install the tools that are absolutely necessary (which are probably none of them). I only have easy eject installed on mine since I use an advanced mini-dock. Client Security Solutions is probably the worst offender of all Thinkvantage "tools" for slowing down the system.

My recommendations for a "safety net" are found in the following F.A.Q. at the bottom of the guide:
• Will I loose any functionality of my laptop after the clean install?
• If I can't use the blue ThinkVantage button, how can I restore my clean install?

I personally don't like the hidden partition. It takes up hard drive space that I would rather use for other things. Over the past 20+ years or so of using computers, I have yet to encounter a situation that required an emergency clean install requiring a hidden partition. Most problems can be fixed without doing a clean install. However, if a clean install is required, a sett of bootable DVDs created from Vista Complete PC Back-up and Restore, TrueImage, or Ghost can do the job everybit as well as the hidden partition.

If you insist on using the hidden partition, there might be a way to restore it's function after a clean install. View this link: http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site.wss/MIGR-54483.html It is my understanding that you have to have a 3.5" floppy drive connected to your laptop to use this tool. I have only heard frrom one member that says s/he had success with this. That's all I know about that topic.

 

.. On the first page of this thread.. there is a driver list for us to DL. Is that required bare essentials? Are these drivers the best to start?
..
• Audio Driver
• UltrNav DRIVER
• UltraNav UTILITY
• Wifi Driver
• Hotkey Driver
• System Interface
...

I notice it did not inclued BIO update. How important is that?

Thx for explaining The ThinkVantage utility. I will take ur suggestion and install one at a time for a week or so..

 

Those drivers listed on the first page are the basic drivers. I recommend they be installed in that order. The list may not be complete since most laptops coming from Lenovo are custon configured. It is best to go to the driver matrix page and install ALL drivers that apply to your specific laptop and operating system.

BIOS updates... I only recommend doing BIOS updates when you know for sure that the BIOS update will fix a problem YOU are having. Doing a BIOS update can cause irreversible harm to your computer if not done properly. When a new BIOS is available read what fixes are introduced with the update. If a BIOS update is necessary for your situation then ALWAYS use the bootable disk method. Making a bootable disk to do a BIOS update is the safest method. ALL other methods come with an increased risk that you could corrupt your BIOS.

 

Good to know about the BIOS updates.

I used the utility and saved my keycode in the ABR folder. You mention I should have 5 random letter/#'s. How many digits should these 5 ramdom #s be? thx

 

can't remember. I think it's 5 sets of 5. If you have what looks like a random keycode it's correct.

 

What is your opinion on Vista RC 1 service pack? After I install all hte updated drivers and patches. Would doing MS updates be the best next step? There are tons of updates... I wonder if I should do them then add RC 1 for Vista.

thx again.

 

I trialed SP1 beta for several weeks just before it became public RC1. It actually introduced some problems to my system. I used Complete PC Backup and recovery to revert back to my pre-SP1 state. I'm very stable again. I'm in no hurry to upgrade to SP1. Even when it becomes the full SP1 I'll probably wait a month or so to make sure all the bugs are worked out.

Meanwhile, I recommend allowing windows updates to install all other updates.

 

Ohh you have been very helpful. I finally finished my install w/all updated drivers.

In the process of putting Office, Norton and some small apps.

I will do the updated and wait on the SP1.

Once I get a good base finished I will do a backup via Backup and Restore Center. I am using Vista Home Premium.

I am reading up on ThinkVantage apps. Debating on install. Secure Data Disposal sounds interesting.

 

I now have 5.8 gig of unallocated space. It doesn't appear I can expand my primary partition. Anyone recommend a 3rd party utility that runs on Vista?

 

This topic is GREAT
But i do got a question: I am thinking of installing vista home premium x64 because I will upgrade to 4GB ram soon ....
On this moment I am using windows vista home premium 32 bit OEM (The windows that was installed in the factory of Asus )
Now is my question: Can I use this topic to go to the 64 bit version of vista with my 32 bit OEM (Factory) key?? And is this legal?

Also, the images aren't online any more (first page) can you upload them again, PLEASE

 

Hi Stallen,
I see that you have SDHC with your machine, was it built in with your machine? I'm wondering if all the t61 are equipped with SDHC.

 

What exactly do you mean 5.8 gb of unallocated space? What size is your hard drive? Do you know your "REAL" hard drive size? Explanation... When you purchase a hard drive the advertised size is not what is reported under windows. There is a good reason for it, but it requires a longer explanation than what I am willing to provide at the moment (I'll give you a link). To keep it simple. You should always subtract 7% from the advertised size to give you your actual size. So if you purchased a 100GB hard drive. That's 100gb x .07 = 7gb. So 100gb - 7gb = 93GB. So this hard drive under windows will look like a 93GB hard drive. That is if the hard drive is totally empty. It's impossible to be totally empty if it is your system drive. Right? Vista is installed on that hard drive... that takes up between 6 - 8 gb of space. So if you started with a "100"gb hard drive you are now down to about 86GB with nothing installed on the drive except for Vista. More information on what is going on with your hard drive space here: http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=167983

Is it possible? This is answered at least twice in the guide. Is it legal? I don't know for sure. I guess you can call them and ask. Microsoft made the product keys work for both 32-bit and 64-bit versions so I would think they allow it. It's not like any hacking is involved.

The 15" T61 comes with a built in memory card reader that is SDHC compliant. It's not an "option". It's standard equipment on the 15" T61. The actual card that I'm using is a Sandisk Extreme III SDHC 4GB card that I purchased from e-bay. It's a nice set-up. I'm using it for ready boost, I notice some speed improvement over turbo memory alone. However, probably not enough improvement to recommend that everyone run out and spend the money on the card.

 

All if the images are working fine on both of my computers. Perhaps they were down momentarily. Or, perhaps you have images disabled under your options for this forum. Go to "User CP" -> "Edit Options" -> under "Thread Display Options" make sure "Show Images" is check-marked. If that doesn't work, try logging out. Clearing your internet cookies - Log back in and set the image options again in the User CP.

Anyone else having a problem seeing the images in the guide?

 

Yep, it works again: I deleted my internet cookies and the problem is solved
This is what I had:

 

My t61 came w/80 Gig HD. Sorry..I should of been more clear.

In Disk Management, I have total 74.xx Gig. Then I have 5.82 Unallocated..then my 68.71 (C rive). I know the unallocated is the original hidden partition. Which I deleted from the instructions noted before.

I now want to add that partition to C: Since C is located on the right of the unallocated space, I am unable to Extend it.

I would like just one big drice.

Thx

 

This actually is a stupid question....again
But when I order a vista 64 bit upgrade disk from this link https://emea.windowsanytimeupgradestore.com/WAU_DIRECT/Purchase.aspx (the disk only, that is EUR 4,76) and I use the Orev's ABR Utility (follow the guide) I shouldn't have any problems, right? (Going from a 32bit OEM version)

 

problem with SD card...
SD card reader drivers is installed, no unknown device...
when I put SD card it ask for driver, and I don't have driver....???
my SD card isn't working...

 

The most recent version from lenovo doesn't work on my t61p vista x64. I found an older version whtich works. Both are signed by microsoft.

 

I don't see an anytime upgrade disk when I click on that link. I have provided a link in my guide (but probably for U.S.A. only). Yes, the 64-bit anytime upgrade disk will switch you from 32-bit to 64-bit using the guide and the ABR utility. I have that information posted in the guide

Make sure you are using the "Ricoh 4-in-1 card reader driver", not the "Smart Card Driver".

I am using this driver: http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site.wss/document.do?lndocid=MIGR-68053 It is working great for me. I have noticed that every once in awhile I have to insert the card more than once for my laptop to acknowledge that I inserted the card. I just eject it and re-insert it.

If this is the driver you installed then redo the install of the driver. Download it again just in case the file was corrupt the first time it was downloaded. Uninstall the driver from within the device manager -> reboot -> install the driver again (this is done by double-clicking the driver package to extract it to your hard drive. Then navigate to the default location -> C:\DRIVERS\WIN\4IN1 double click the setup.exe file) -> then reboot again.

Why don't you share the link? I might help neo1234 if my advice doesn't work for him.

 

Make sure you are using the "Ricoh 4-in-1 card reader driver", not the "Smart Card Driver".

I am using this driver: http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site.wss/document.do?lndocid=MIGR-68053 It is working great for me. I have noticed that every once in awhile I have to insert the card more than once for my laptop to acknowledge that I inserted the card. I just eject it and re-insert it.

If this is the driver you installed then redo the install of the driver. Download it again just in case the file was corrupt the first time it was downloaded. Uninstall the driver from within the device manager -> reboot -> install the driver again (this is done by double-clicking the driver package to extract it to your hard drive. Then navigate to the default location -> C:\DRIVERS\WIN\4IN1 double click the setup.exe file) -> then reboot again.
Why don't you share the link? I might help neo1234 if my advice doesn't work for him.[/QUOTE]

it is 4 in 1 driver but it didn't work for some reason.
I reinstall clean again and it work with same driver. currently 4GB ReadyBoost in use.

thanks for guide

 

Hello I just received a x61s today and I would like to know if I can do a clean installation without a cd. I have the cd but my x61s dont have a cd drive. thanks

 

Ok I figured out how to install it without the dvd's. I have another question about the sd card reader. When I check at this site http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site.wss/MIGR-67971.html#cardreader , it mentions the card reader driver but it says it only supports windows xp and 2000, does that means it wont work for vista?

 

No

How did you manage that one?

See quote below...

 

I got a problem:
Yesterday I ordered my 4GB ram (2x2GB) and it should arrive soon
But then I want to install vista home premium 64bit to use the full 4GB of course
But it looks like that the http://www.windowsanytimeupgrade.com/disc is no option for me because the payment method is via credit card (And i can't pay with credit card...)
I really need a way to get the vista home premium 64 bit (DUTCH version) with the use of my current OEM 32bit key...

Anybody got an advice for me?

Thanks

 

Give someone $7 and ask them if you can use their CC to make a $7 purchase. Otherwise you can try downloading it from a torrent, but those are hit or miss since most are all hacked up. That's all I got.

 

Can't install the Intel Matrix Storage Manager Driver(x64) for some reason. I downloaded the driver from here.
Tried to install the driver but it tells me the driver is up to date. I then uninstalled it and restarted Vista but when it got to the desktop it installed the previous one automatically.

Any help?

 

ignore that prompt..obviously the intel ones are newer than the lenovo ones...

the number scheming is different making it look like the intel ones are older than the lenovo ones, when this is not the case

 

It won't let me install it at all, it says the best driver is installed for the system. There is not option to install it even though Windows thinks it is the newest driver

 

uninstall the driver completely and reinstall it

 

I've uninstalled it and restarted but when it goes back to the desktop, Windows downloads and installs the driver automatically. Should I uninstall it and install the new driver without restarting?

 

Windows should not be able to re-install it if it is COMPLETELY gone. Do this... uninstall it. Make sure you go to the folder where the driver was extracted and manually delete those files as well. Yes, you should re-boot before you re-install the driver.

 

hmm...i would uninstall and remove your internet connection. this way when you restart windows can't downoad it for you and install it.

download the latest turbo mem driver which has the latest matrix driver built in before you uninstall so you don't have to activate your internet connection....and immedietly install the turbo memory and restart...and then turn your internet back on

 

The folder is C:\Windows\System32\drivers because it is a generic Microsoft driver. So I try to remove the driver components after uninstalling but it tells me I need permission even when running in Administator

 

I was wrong, it is a generic driver that comes with Vista and is not downloaded

 

The following components are the parts of the driver that keeps reinstalling after restarting (all found in C:\Windows\System32\drivers):
atapi.sys
ataport.sys
intelide.sys
pciidex.sys

How do I get permission to remove them? Even in Administrator it will not let me

 

Try this, DL the one from the net, uninstall the update provided from Windows Update and then remove your LAN/WLAN connection. Restart your computer and install the one your downloaded from the internet. That should do it hopefully.

 

I thought it downloaded from Windows Update but actually its a generic Microsoft driver that comes with Vista

 

Thanks to zenpharaohs in this thread I finally installed the drivers and booted in AHCI without a BSOD. I had to use the have disk method and manually select the .inf file and 82801 HEM/HBM.

Lesson: do not have Compatibility mode selected when installing/first booting up in Vista

 

The thread is not stickied but the link to it is already in the ThinkPad sticky.

 

I want to change my 200G hard drive to two partitions c: d:, in which step can I do this? Using which software to do this? Thank you!

 

No software needed. Do it during the clean install.

Step 3.12

Delete all partitions then create 2 new ones. Selecting the size for each that you want.

 

Finished install Ultimate 64 bit, works great!

I usually use Lenovo's battery manager software in Advantage, this one can set battery threshold for charge. How can I get that software back?

 

Everything is backed up in your swtools folder that you backed up in step 1.

However to make sure you get the latest available you should download from the driver matrix page.

Please re-read Step 2. The part that starts out "ACPI Power...".

You must install the driver: http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site.wss/document.do?lndocid=MIGR-4gxpeg

The ThinkVantage Power Manager that you are talking about is optional (it'just called "Power Manager" on the matrix page): http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site.wss/document.do?lndocid=MIGR-67216