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

Do you tink I should reinstall the same driver maybe? Thanks again for all your help!

 

Ok, so there's no other igfx driver installed on your system right now except for the one found at the intel site after you ran a clean install.

Have you tried this igfx driver from the driver matrix page? Try uninstalling the driver you found on the intel page, then reboot. Install this driver, then reboot again. Tell me if you're still having issues.

 

Just saw this response hehe--thanks! I appreciate all your help

 

Same thing happens with that driver although when I rebooted after the uninstall, the screen didn't flash. I feel as though it may have flashed more with the driver that you suggested to try. What other options have I?

 

At this point, none really. If the igfx driver is the culprit, which i think it is, you're going to have to wait it out until a new driver comes out. To speed up the process, you should give Lenovo tech support a call and notify them of the driver incompatibility. That way they'll know of the problem and you'll have a case# open. Sorry i couldnt be much help.

Edit: Whatever driver you feel is more stable, just leave that one in.

 

Allrighty--thanks!

 

Hey Stallen, it might be a good idea to add that they should backup the Lenovo factory installed wallpapers to an external usb or flash drive before they do the clean install (if they wish to use the wallpapers).

The wallpapers can be found in this location:
c:\windows\web\wallpaper

 

Playmaker put up the wallpapers on SendSpace for people to download.

http://www.sendspace.com/file/btchsl

I found it after linking from the ThinkPad Sticky to his guide. Dude is friggin' awesome.

 

Those are just the 1600x1200 sized wallpapers. Lenovo provides a number of different resolution wallpapers, including 1680x1050, and are found in the location above.

 

I've been busy updating the guide. I'll work that in tomorrow. Thanks!

 

I just updated the guide. It has a bunch of screenshots that Dave from davescomputertips.com allowed me to use!!! It should reduce any surprises a person might encounter doing a clean install. Enjoy... Thanks Dave!

Along with updating the guide. I added these credits at the end. I want to make sure and give credit where it is due...

CREDITS:

• Thanks to Dave from Dave's Computer Tips for all the Vista install screen shots and walk-thru. Check out his website! Dave Computer Tips He has some very good tips and advice. Subscribe to his Newsletters! Thanks for allowing me incorporate your hard work into this guide.
• Thanks to Orev for creating the ABR utility. That utility is what makes this so easy! His guide is excellent. Orev's Clean Install Guide
• Thanks to many other forum members like wingsofeagles and jstigall. I learned a lot from you guys!
• Thanks to hypertophy. We used his laptop to test this guide. He put up with a lot of trial and error so YOU wouldn't have to.

As you can see I can't take credit for this guide. It is a collaboration of many peoples work. I just pieced together. Hopefully this guide will help some people get the enjoyment out of their laptop they were expecting when they first pulled it out of the box.

This forum is great. You hear so many negative things about the internet. But this shows how the work of several people can possibly help someone.

I'd be happy to hear any feedback from those who want to improve upon the guide. If anyone would like to banter, please find someone else.

 

If I want to keep the recovery partition, I just simply leave Disk 0 Partition 2 without change, right?

 

Right. But just to be careful. Make sure you make your recovery disks before hand.

 

Hey hypertrophy. I got this information added to the guide. I also added you to the credits at the end. Thanks for your help!

 

Before I start a new thread, I thought I'd ask my question here as it arose because of a clean install.

Basically, I'm not able to get the fingerprint option to show up on my logon screen. The only choice I get is the standard password logon. I've installed the fingerprint software from Lenovo (v.5.61) and 'fingerprint logon' radio button is highlighted in the control center.

(I have not, however, installed CSS, and I don't know if this matters. At this point, I'd like to just use the fingerprint for logon, as it was cumbersome for web pages before the clean install.)

Am I missing something obvious? Is there a Vista-based option I need to change to enable the fingerprint logon? Do I need CSS to enable this (other posts I read suggested 'no')? Is there another app from the lenovo site I need to complement the control center? Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

 

I think you will find all of your fingerprint reader related questions/answers here: Fingerprint Reader Tips Also, make sure you are logged on as administrator.

 

Nick, go into the Start Window, click All Programs, go down to Thinkvantage and click it. Click Thinkvantage Fingerprint Software, then right click Control Center, and click " Run as Administrator."

Go into "Settings," then "System Settings."
Click the Logon tab. Then unclick both check boxes: 1. Allow to bypass logon using Windows passord, 2. Allow user self enroll in logon.

When both check boxes are unclicked, then click ok and close the application and reboot your computer. You should now be able to logon using either the fingerprint reader or your windows password.

If you are unable to uncheck both check boxes under the Logon tab in Settings, you can just check "Allow user self enroll in logon," allowing you to choose between fingerprint logon and password logon upon startup with a divided window [(when both check boxes are unchecked, the divided window isnt there) both methods will work]. Good luck.

PS: Client Security Services software isnt needed for this task, only the latest Fingerprint Reader software.

 

Since i had a h*ll of a time tracking down the original Lenovo 1680x1050 wallpapers that come in the factory install, i'll attach them here for everyone. These come courtesy of pphilipko from thinkpads.com (if you need the other sized Lenovo wallpapers, PM me and i'll email you the link to the site:

 

Stallen, thanks for the reply and the link. A couple follow-ups:

Oddly, it turns out that the fingerprint logon was available, I just couldn't see it. On a whim, I tried scanning my fingerprint at the logon screen, even though the icon for fingerprint logon didn't show up. Sure enough, my print scanned and I was logged on. Now the logo/icon shows up on the logon screen. Strange.

Second, the link you sent has some good information, but my control center doesn't have a number of things referenced in the Lenovo tips. For example, my version (5.6) doesn't have the option to "replace windows logon with fingerprint-protected logon." I also don't see the "power-on security" option in the fingerprint section (or elsewhere). Obviously this isn't something you have control over, but I just wanted to point out that this help page references some options that aren't in the 5.6 version of the control center (or at least I can't find them, even logged in as admin).

In any case, fingerprint logon works now, which is what I was after.

 

So it was 10 days ago that I followed your guide. Not a single blue screen or freeze since then That is after some very heavy useage over the past week. I was about to send this back when the base administrator install didn't help. I LOVE my laptop now that I did a real clean install.

Thanks again

 

Do you still remember what it said on your blue screen?

 

stallen, you have written an excellent guide here, thank you.:yes:

However, I couldn't find there any reference to the fingerprint reader software, OmniPass, which came pre-installed with my Lenovo laptop.

I posted a question regarding that:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=153026

But it seems that I encountered a tough problem with possibly no solution(other than (re) purchasing the software).

How did you overcome this problem?

Thanks,
Victor

 

@nickburger. I think you missed my post above. You should be able to see the fingerprint specific logon menu when you do the following steps:

 

The fingerprint reader software is available via the link I provided in step 1 (look at the bottom of the list of drivers).

Other than that, the ThinkVantage Client Security Solutions (CSS) will provide some increased functionality of the fingerprint reader. Omnipass must be something they bundled with your Lenovo 3000 N100.

Warning: CSS has been reported to conflict with the virus scanner Nod32. There are "work-arounds" available, but you should be aware.

 

The ABR utility cannot find my acitvation certificate (neither can I by manually searching), but my computer does say Windows is activated. Can I proceed with the clean install process even though ABR is only able to backup the key and not the certificate?

 

That is really strange. You can download the OEM cert file here: oembios.net

Download "68351C09 lenovo.oemcert.100036.xrm-ms"

It is a .rar file so you will need to use winrar to open it.

After the clean install place the lenovo.oemcert.100036.xrm-ms file in C:\

Now go to Vista search-> type cmd -> right click cmd.exe -> run as administrator.

Type in- slmgr –ilc path/to/licence/file/lenovo.oemcert.100036.xrm-ms

Then type- slmgr –ato

There, that is the "old school" way of doing it manually... thanks to Wh1t3w0lf!!! Wh1t3w0lf's clean install guide

 

Two questions:

1) How do I know if I have the 32 bit Vista or 64 bit Vista? And what is the difference. I ordered Vista Premium

2)How do I know if my T61 shipped with a Vista disc included (I haven't received my baby yet...)

 

1) Unless it said "64-bit" when you configured your laptop you have 32-bit. I'm pretty sure the only 64-bit available right now on a Thinkpad is the T61P Vista Business 64-bit. You can have either one doing a clean install and using this guide. Just use the 64-bit "anytime upgrade" DVD and you'll have 64-bit.

There are quite a differences between 32-bit and 64-bit. It's really best if you google that question to find out for yourself. I am personally a 64-bit advocate, but there are plenty of people who believe that it's too early for 64-bit.

As far as the visual experience of Vista, 32-bit and 64-bit "look" the same. One thing is that the new Santa Rosa chipset on the T61 is capable of using 4GB of RAM but you must have 64-bit to utilize the entire 4GB. If you have 4GB of RAM installed on a 32-bit system your laptop will only recognize about 3GB (or a little more).

Opponents of 64-bit will say there is poor driver support for 64-bit. This is really only the case for very old hardware and old 32-bit applications that still have some 16-bit remnants.

ALL of the drivers for the hardware inside T61 are available. Most any 32-bit application will run perfectly fine on 64-bit Vista.

There are those that will want to argue some of my points here. Please don't. I don't want to turn this thread into a 32-bit vs 64-bit debate.

Regardless, I think everyone can agree to do some homework and find out for yourself. One thing is for sure, make a list of all the hardware you plan to hook up to your laptop (i.e. printers, scanners, ...whatever) make sure there are 64-bit drivers available for those. Also make sure that if you need to run an application that is sort of specialized (not mainstream) make sure to check that it is supported on Vista 64-bit. These are the biggest reasons to avoid 64-bit.

2) Some people got an anytime upgrade disk and others did not. I think Lenovo would send you one for free if you didn't get one. Personally I think it's worth paying the $5 to get it from CompUSA that way you know you will get it in a few days rather than a few months

 

Thanks hypertrophy. I did sort of miss it (I had already responded to Stallen when I read your post). Thanks for the suggestion. As I mentioned, I managed to get this feature working sort of by accident, but what you write is good information for others that encounter this problem.

 

Why do you insist on not installing them from intel website?
As for turbo memory, there's a driver of version 1.0.1.1010 which has mentioned in its release note to have resolved the blue screen (BSOD) issue.
Also the matrix storage driver v7.6 from intel seems to have resolved the iastor timeout period problem.

 

You can certainly try them out. I have recently heard of some people that didn't experience BSODs until after this recent Turbo Memory Driver from Intel. Then I said not to use the Matrix Storage Driver from Intel because the Turbo Memory driver from Lenovo is a Turbo Memory/Matrix Storage Driver all-in-one. I think it would be great if you want to try them out and report back how it works out for you. Then I will amend the guide if you have positive results.

Thanks.

 

There is also this note from Intel for the Matrix Storage Manager Driver that concerns me...

"Note: Before installing this application or requesting technical support from Intel, it is suggested that you first contact your system manufacturer. They may provide software which is specifically configured for your system."

This leads me to believe that the Matrix Storage Manager driver could be similar to how graphics drivers work for laptops. i.e nVidia will put out a graphics drivers for laptops and it is up to the manufacturer to modify the driver based on their system and keep it updated. (This is a different story for desktop PCs. nVidia will frequently update those drivers).

I admit that this is just my theory for the Matrix Storage Manager driver, but I welcome any proof that can prove or disprove this theory.

 

I followed the tutorial and it worked very well. However, I have a problem to get some of the keys/buttons to work. For instance I can't use the speaker-buttons, and Bluetooth and the Fingerprint reader doesn't seem to work. Neither does the cardreader (a xD-card reader in front).

Could anyone help me and point to which drivers I need?

Thanks in advance

 

I've provided only drivers for Vista:

For the volume functions, etc, to work, you need two things.
1. Lenovo System Interface.
2. Hot Keys driver (Looks like there's a new version out, i'll have to try it. Maybe they fixed the brightness OSD problem w/integrated graphics with this version.

Bluetooth:
You need to install Thinkvantage Access Connections first.
Then install this bluetooth driver.

Fingerprint Reader:
Fingerprint Reader Software 5.6.

Media Card Reader:
Ricoh 4-in-1.

 

Thanks hypertophy!

System Interface, Hot Keys, Access Connections, FingerPrint reader, and 4 in 1 card reader are all listed in Step 1 of the guide. I appreciate that you provided the direct links.

I originally provided direct links to each driver in the guide, but I found that direct links to Lenovo Support and Download often become broken (leading to nowhere and caused confusion)... so I just provide a link to the Primary download page.

 

No prob. Well it looks like my number one fan (you know who it is) was able to get the internal bluetooth switch working without having to install access connections, so you might want to hold off in re-adding that little detail for now.

 

Thanks! That really helped .

I'm currently at 70+ processes when Windows starts (including Symantec AntiVirus), but now it's 64-bit so I'll get a chance to see how that works. I guess I can remove redundant processes when I'm more comfortable with the new computer and Vista.

 

I'm glad the guide worked out well for you!!! Is there anything that could be added or changed to make it more clear?

Here is a guide that will help you reduce some more processes: Vista Service Configurations

I think if you changed your configuration to everything in "Black Viper's" "Safe" column you'll be ... well ... safe His guide is very nice. You can click on the service on the far left column to read a description of the service so you can decide for yourself.

The one thing I might not agree with is he changed "Application Experience" to "disabled". I don't think that is a good idea especially with 64-bit Vista. Application experience is what allows older applications to run in legacy mode.

 

I restored my T61 to factory settings. installed chipset, turbo memory, and matrix storage from lenovo website. then installed the updated ones from intel first the chipset, then turbo memory and at last the matrix storage. because turbo memory driver installs matrix storage, too which is older than the standalone matrix storage driver.

I have not had any BSODs or iaStor problems when working on battery since yesterday.
however I noticed that when I'm on battery a click is heard from the hard disk although it had not been inactive (I don't know whether or not the harddisk LED turns on if its reading from turbo memory)

Moreover I wanted to add that I noticed that after enrolling and setting up Thinkvantage "Client security solution" my ram usage increased dramatically and there is a lot of paging at vista startup. does anybody else have the same issue and think it is related to "Client sec solution" ? I have 1GB of ram.

I also wanted to know if other people here hear a high-pitch noise at sometimes when on battery, and is there a solution?

 

So then you didn't actually do a clean install???

Maybe consider staying away from client security solutions. There have been many people on this forum that have opted out on CSS. Not to mentions there is a conflict with CSS and the very popular Anti-virus program Nod32. At least there was recently unless Nod has recently released a patch for the problem.

Maybe someone else can chime in on that one.

 

Yes, I had installed a clean version from the upgrade disc before reading this topic, but after installing some drivers I noticed that windows was not activated and there's no phone support here. Therefore I preferred to revert to the factory state to just save time installing features and drivers for it and just uninstall useless stuff and upgrade things.

 

So then you didn't see the ABR utility in the guide that activates Vista without calling Microsoft?

 

I did see that but shouldn't we apply the ABR before clean install? I just came across this page when I was searching for t61 drivers and turbo memory issues after I had done a clean install.

BTW how much ram is consumed on your machine when you startup? how much is paged?
I have 1GB of ram of which about 750 MB is consumed and 1.1 GB paged (after installing ccs).
the amount used before css was I think about 550 MB of ram with 400 MB paged.

also I would also like to know what is really this paging about? shouldn't vista start using virtual memory when the ram space is exhausted?

 

I'm just going to have to refer you to the guide. The ABR utility is used to back-up two files before the clean install and then restore them after the clean install. It's all there. You have to read all of the guide including the Frequently Asked Question at the end that explain the ABR. It tells you in the guide when and how to use the ABR.

It's hard to keep track of RAM useage in Vista. Vista will use a lot of RAM and then turn it loose when needed by an application. Bottom line though. You really should have a minimum of 2GB RAM on Vista.

Google. Sorry, but I'm not an expert on that and in order to answer your question I would have to google so...

 

Very Nice! I'm going to give this a try when my laptop arrives. Thanks

 

I had to do another clean install so i'll just post up each driver and location here for everyone. The driver locations are up-to-date as of 7:34pm PST of today:

T61 w/Integrated Graphics Vista 64 bit Clean Install Drivers:

T61 Driver Matrix Page:
http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site.wss/document.do?lndocid=MIGR-67853



Chipset Drivers:
http://downloadcenter.intel.com/fil...64-bit+version&lang=eng&strOSs=159&submit=Go!

Intel Storage Matrix Vista 64-bit:
http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site.wss/MIGR-67738.html

Intel X3100 Video igfx driver:
http://downloadcenter.intel.com/Det... Vista* Home Premium, 64-bit version&lang=eng

Mouse/Trackpoint UltraNav driver:
http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site.wss/document.do?lndocid=MIGR-66904

UltraNav Utility:
http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site.wss/document.do?lndocid=MIGR-67226

Thinkpad Power Manager Utility:
http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site.wss/document.do?lndocid=MIGR-67216

Thinkpad ACPI Power Management Driver:
http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site.wss/document.do?lndocid=MIGR-4gxpeg

Audio driver:
http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site.wss/document.do?lndocid=MIGR-67821

Lenovo System Interface driver:
http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site.wss/document.do?lndocid=MIGR-67228

HotKey driver:
http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site.wss/document.do?lndocid=MIGR-68000

Intel Pro Wireless 4965agn driver:
http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site.wss/document.do?lndocid=MIGR-67256

Bluetooth with enhanced Data Rate Software:
http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site.wss/document.do?lndocid=MIGR-67250

Ricoh 4-in-1 Card Reader driver:
http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site.wss/document.do?lndocid=MIGR-68053

Thinkvantage Fingerprint Software 5.6 driver:
http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site.wss/document.do?sitestyle=lenovo&lndocid=MIGR-66948

Registry patch to enable Device Initiated Power Management on SATA hard drives for Windows Vista:
http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site.wss/document.do?lndocid=MIGR-67811

Registry patch enabling USB S3 Power Management for Windows Vista:
http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site.wss/document.do?lndocid=MIGR-67239

Registry patch to change IDLE IRP timing by Fingerprint reader for Windows Vista:
http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site.wss/document.do?lndocid=MIGR-67245

Registry patch to improve USB device detection on resume from sleep for Windows Vista:
http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site.wss/document.do?lndocid=MIGR-68055

 

Thanks Hypertophy! I'd like to put direct links on the front page, but I'm not sure if the links break if there is an update on the driver. I guess we'll test these links out when there is an update. If they hold up I'll add them to the guide.

 

Just a heads up, it took me 10 CDs to make my recovery discs. 10!

Note I haven't done a clean install yet, but I will once I get the Windows Anytime Upgrade DVD.

Also is there a way to log into forums such as NBR and emails with a finger print instead of typing in the user name and password.

I am really loving my new T61, but I am having hard time adjusting to my noisy Chicony keyboard. The space bar and backspace keys make the most noise. Very annoying.

 

Yeah that's alot of CDs. BUT, if you read the guide it tells you to use 1CD for the first disk and then 2DVDs. Maybe that's all you had available.

... as for the fingerprint reader question. I'm not totally sure but I think you need ThinkVantage Client Security Solution to do what you are asking. Hopefully someone else will chime in and correct me if I'm wrong. (BTW, CSS has a conflict with the anti-virus program Nod32. There are work-arounds available if you search.)

As stated in the guide, I would rather stay away from the ThinkVantage bloatware as much as possible.

 

I believe you're right. I dont see the window asking whether i want to save the webpage into the fingerprint reader software as i did when i had CSS installed.