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

Oh wow, really? I've used my laptop for almost a day now and have everything perfectly setup. At this point, I'd imagine it be easier just typing it in manually and calling Microsoft...

 

FYI... The link to order the $7 x64 Vista disk is now gone as of 2/20/2008.

https://na.windowsanytimeupgradestore.com/WAU_DIRECT/GoodBye.aspx

I'm in the process of doing a clean install to my T61p. The downloadable images still seem to be available. I'm trying to go that route.

Out of the box my machine preloaded 32bit Vista benched as:

Processor Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo CPU T9300 @ 2.50GHz 5.4
Memory (RAM) 3.00 GB 5.0
Graphics NVIDIA Quadro FX 570M 5.9
Gaming graphics 1023 MB Total available graphics memory 5.4
Primary hard disk 49GB Free (68GB Total) 5.0
Windows Vista (TM) Ultimate

5.0 Determined by lowest subscore

Oh, and THANK YOU for the guide. I'll be leveraging your write-up extensively.

Thank you!

 

I know this is a dumb question, but it's important: What options for backing up Vista (recovery disks) do I have if my Thinkpad doesn't have a DVD burner? It reads DVDs, jut doesn't burn them. (I was trying to save money).

I have Desktop DVD burners. Is there any way I could possibly use those to back up Windows? If all else fails, I can get an external DVD burner for like $50. Is that going to be my best option?

 

What do you mean by "back up windows?" Are you trying to create recovery discs, or back up your user data? For user data, it might be easiest if you copy it over the network to one of your other computers. For recovery discs, you may be able to save the discs as ISO images (I don't have a lenovo so I can't help you there), and then copy those iso files over the network and burn them on the desktop.

 

Sorry, yes, recovery discs is what I was talking about (Step 1 in the OP of this thread). It says to make recovery discs from within Windows. I'm not sure how to do that in terms of ISO files instead of directly burning the DVDs.

 

There may be an option in the software that you use to create the recovery discs to save the image to a file instead of to a disc. You will have to look around in the software, but it shouldn't be that hard to find (if it is there). Maybe someone else who has done this on a Lenovo system can offer more advice.

 

Thanks again. But wouldn't it be enough to simply copy the Drivers folder to a thumb drive and then past the contents into the Drivers folder for my freshly installed Vista Ultimate partition? Or is it necessary that I back up the whole OS that comes with the laptop (even though I'll have no use for it since I'm going to be dual-booting XP64 and Vista Ultimate)?

 

Recovery discs are for a different purpose. They are used to return your computer to exactly the same state as when you opened the box. For this process, they are useful in case you have some type of catastrophic failure and need to recover back to the original state.

You will also need to backup or download the drivers separately, as the files are not accessible on the recovery discs (they are encrypted). You'll need those separate drivers files when doing the clean install.

 

Not to oversimplify much...

Are you 100% sure that your drive can not write CD+R, CD-R, CD-RW media? I thought even the cheap DVD drive on the selection menu would do that.

It can create the recovery set on CD-R's. It just takes more of them. Probably 8-10 or so.

 

Well if that's true then no worries! Yes it does burn CDs just not DVDs. I was reading the OP to suggest that you had to burn onto DVDs and couldn't just use a bunch of CDs instead. Looks like I'll be stocking up on CDs again!

Thanks for letting me know.

 

I apologize if this is already covered in this thread somewhere, I searched but couldn't quite find what I was looking for, thanks in advance!

I got a T61p with Vista Home Basic, but through my university I have a free CD Key for vista Business, so I was hoping to do a clean install and install that. ADDITIONALLY, I'm upgrading the HD so I'll be doing the clean install on a new HD. Reading the guide, however, I realized that the ABR utility will only work if the version installed matches the CD Key that was already on the computer (i.e. was already activated). Is there any way around this?

If not, I've got two options (as best I can see) and I'm grateful for opinions on which to follow:
1) I can follow the guide and install home basic on the new HD, then upgrade to business. My fear with this is that one of the common problems faced when upgrading software will occur: more 'junk' will be accrued than if I had just installed business straight-up. It might not be a problem as MS probably designed the systems to cleanly upgrade, but I've got no experience in that realm.
2) I can follow the guide but type in my CD key. As many of you can understand I'm nervous about deviating from the guide so significantly.

Any advice is greatly appreciated, thanks for the great guide Stallen!

 

You have Vista on DVD right from your uni?
If so you don't need ORev's ABR. That is for ppl who are using the same version of Vista on their clean install.

You just need to follow the preinstall steps in the guide ( the part about downloading drivers) and the postinstall ( extracting and installing those drivers in the order mentioned in the guide).

The step in between is the actual Vista install from DVD and that should be like any normal install...enter the key when prompted.

 

Remember that the guide is intended for those who want to do a clean install on their current factory drive or migrating to a new HD using the same version of Vista as the factory drive ( can be either 32 or 64 bit). By version I mean Home basic vs Premium vs Business vs Ultimate.

So knowing that you can leave out parts that are relevant for that process. That would be ABR, removing the hidden partition, backing up SW Tools ( you'll be downloading those manually from Lenovo's site onto your thumb drive.) There are still helpful pointers tho for anyone with a Thinkpad because it covers things related to Lenovo drivers and software.

 

I was wondering if someone could help me, i did this clean install on my ibm t61, and whenever i try to install the chipset driver i get errors, the most common being that the programs side by side configuration is incorrect. can anyone help me with this?

 

You shouldn't have any trouble using any external DVD drive. Yes, you can burn a big pile of CDs if your DVD drive will burn CDs. I just figured most people would pay the extra few bucks for the DVD burner just in case they need it. I can't put everything in the guide. It's already quite lengthy. Glad you got it figured out.

It kinda sounds like you are trying to install the wrong chipset driver. Make sure you are installing the correct one. If you continue to have trouble install the inf/chipset driver from the lenovo website.

Sorry, I can't respond to questions as quickly folks. I'm very busy with school.

 

Just added some minor updates to the guide.

I think the anytime upgrade disk is a thing of the past. If anyone knows how to order an anytime upgrade disk, please let me know. I don't need one, but I'd like to add it to the guide if it exists.

It would be especially nice to know what options are available when SP1 is released.

Also, thanks to everyone that rated the thread as "excellent". Five Stars yeee haw!!

 

Hm. So now I'm left with 350-odd MB in my C:\DRIVERS\ folder; is this safe to delete?

 

Yes, that should just be extracted/pre-installed drivers. You can delete them or leave them there in case you need to re-install later on. I deleted them.

 

Cheers; thanks for the guide stallen, it worked like a charm. Not sure if the machine's any perkier now, but it's a comfort knowing that it's a very clean install (and I have a completePC backup of the 'bare' state).

As for Thinkvantage, I added APS and the power manager app. I like Lenovo's interface better on the power manager, and I'd much rather have APS on (big fan of data reliability these days).

+repped

 

Hmm... Maybe just a price increase? I have no idea if this is the same set or not. It looks like it may be. Now called 'Backup Disk' instead?

http://www.windowsmarketplace.com/content.aspx?ctId=404

Thank you for the guide! It made setting this up SO much smoother!

And to follow up on my previous post, I have my post clean install Vista X64 benchmarks. This is with the 320GB Samsung HDD now.

Base score 5.1 Determined by lowest subscore

Component Details Subscore
Processor Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo CPU T9300 @ 2.50GHz 5.4
Memory (RAM) 3.93 GB 5.1
Graphics NVIDIA Quadro FX 570M 5.9
Gaming graphics 1023 MB Total available graphics memory 5.4
Primary hard disk 212GB Free (298GB Total) 5.4
Windows Vista (TM) Ultimate

System
Manufacturer LENOVO
Model 6459CTO
Total amount of system memory 3.94 GB RAM
System type 64-bit operating system
Number of processor cores 2
Storage
Total size of hard disk(s) 298 GB
Disk partition (C 212 GB Free (298 GB Total)
Media drive (D CD/DVD
Graphics
Display adapter type NVIDIA Quadro FX 570M
Total available graphics memory 1023 MB
Dedicated graphics memory 256 MB
Dedicated system memory 0 MB
Shared system memory 767 MB
Display adapter driver version 7.15.11.145
Primary monitor resolution 1920x1200
DirectX version DirectX 9.0 or better
Network
Network Adapter Intel(R) 82566MM Gigabit Network Connection
Network Adapter Bluetooth Device (Personal Area Network)
Network Adapter Intel(R) Wireless WiFi Link 4965AGN
Network Adapter Microsoft Tun Miniport Adapter

 

Just got my new T61, Finished memory upgrade no problem. Starting the process to upgrade my HDD to 320gb.

One step one - create recovery media - It only burns one DVD - and barely uses any space on that dvd. Should'nt it burn 2-3 discs worth of data?

What am I doing wrong.

 

I think that was the startup disc you just burned ( reason I think so is that usually fits on a regular CD-R ) not the actual restore discs...those should take 2 DVDRs.

 

It should've told you to use a CD for the first disc and DVD or CD's for the rest. Did it inform you of that?

 

There was a screen that mentioned you would need a CD for the first disc. I inserted a blank dvd (as that is all I have here) and it burned to that disk just fine. Never did it ask for me to install a 2nd disc. It just completed with only burning a very small portion to the blank dvd.

 

I am nervous for some reason doing this clean install. I just recieved my Vista disk labeled:

Part no. x12-63996-02

Windows vista
Ultimate
DVD rom

Includes Windows
Anytime Upgrade

64-bit software only
not for resale

I have my product key ready to go. I am on an R61 (Penryn) which I just bought with Vista Home Basic (Obviously because I planned on upgrading). I want to keep my ~7GB recovery partition, so can I basically follow these steps in the guide, aside from deleting my partition (read below)?

1) Download all my drivers to an external usb drive
2) Retain my ~7GB partition
3) Boot my computer into the new Vista 64-bit disk
4) Do a wipe/clean install
5) Install drivers, following this guides recommendations on reboots, etc.
6) Enjoy the clean install

With regards to once I get everything installed, and i tried to search through the posts here but came up empty (so if you found my answer already, let me know), will I be able to do things like press FN+F5 to adjust my BT and WiFi connections? Probobly not, so what ThinkVantage software do I need for this? Also, I will need to install the fingerprint reader software. That should just about do it though once I am back in business.

I guess for me, I am keeping the ~7GB partition in the hopes that if some day I need to reinstall, with that partition, I can. Is this true? In other words, I can boot and press that Blue ThinkVantage button and restore my original configuration Vista Home Basic install?

Of course, I could create a new manifest and have a fairly clean Vista Bais if I needed to down the road for whatever reason.

Thanks for all the information.

 

How to turn on the Bluetooth device without installing the Lenovo Access Connection?

 

Once you install the Bluetooth driver, just press Fn+F5 to bring up the wireless menu. There you can enable/disable WiFi and Bluetooth.

 

Actually I tried to install the Bluetooth driver first but it says "device not found".
It seems I have to enable(power on) the BT device first. But How??

 

Where does it say device not found?

Did you follow the Lenovo instructions to install the BT device?

 

Got it!!. Thanks a lot mate.. .

Just another tip required....How do it rebrand the TP with Lenovo infos(e.g lenovo logo in welcome centre or computer details section also the in Help & Support app???
I know it sounds like a jerk...

 

How did you manage to get rid of the splash screen?

 

Wow, I am impressed. Thanks a bunch for this guide. I have one question. Which Intel Chipset Driver/INF Update Utility for ALL 900 Series chipsets should I get for the new 2.5ghz 6mb cache PENRYM chip? Thanks

 

From my guide:

 

Downloaded and installed Vista x64 last night. Excellent guide!!! Had everything I needed on a flash drive and all went smooth.

 

I keep reading references to people making a clean install. Is this something I would expect to have to do if I purchase a new Lenovo laptop?

adam

 

It's certainly not required, but if you're at all a type of "computer guy", it will definitely be to your benefit. The preinstalled software that you never use takes up disk space and can also slow down the system.

Again, not a requirement, but it's often worth it to get the most from your system.

 

Or, the only way to fly if you want to run Vista Ultimate X64 on it.

 

The link for Orev's ABR utility doesn't work. Is it just me?

 

sorry i coudnt read through all 100+ pages but I have a t61 with vista basic...

in the step of installing vista...where can I can a vista CD to use???
kinda confused as to where that is coming from

 

These points in the FAQ will hopefully address your question:

So if you don't have a vista CD you can burn one

 

Just ran the clean install after installing a new HD. Everything is working fine except the two USB ports on the back right side of the t61p aren't responsive, any ideas?

 

nvm fixed it with registry patch

 

Testimonial:

When I first got the notebook (t61p, T7300, 4GB RAM, nVidia 570M 256MB), I wasn't the most pleased person in the world as it was running slower than my 4 yo. desktop. The clean install made a very significant difference in performance, and it is currently running as rapidly as I could expect of it. Thanks Stallen and everyone whose contributed!

 

This thread reminded me that there are others in the world who care for the ThinkPad's inner beauty and grace as much as I do.

I cried.

Thank you all.

 

I'm just a little confused. If I am not worried about diskspace, is there any harm in keeping the thinkvantage partition?

Also, if I do the clean install, will it overwrite lenovo's tools in that partition and will i be left with an empty partition (or will that part remain)?

 

it might bumpheads with windows and cause some problems.. usually wireless

 

There is no harm in keeping the partition. However, there isn't much of a point in keeping it. I've never heard of anyone being able to use the blue thinkvantage button to restore from the hidden partition after a clean install. So if you can't access it for that purpose, why keep it?

In the event of wanting to do a factory recovery, the recovery disks that you make will restore to a factory state. In other words, it will make you hard drive just like it was when you pulled it out of the box. This includes restoring the thinkvantage partition. Personally I would never do that. If I wanted to sell my laptop, I would give the new buyer my laptop with a clean install.

First, in general, ALL hard drive have at least one partition. The factory install has two. One partition is the thinkvantage/hidden parition and the other is the rest of the hard drive.

The thinkvantage/hiddden partition remains untouched unless you remove it. So after a clean install you will have still have two partitions if you don't remove it. The hidden partition will not cause a problem other than take up space. If you follow this guide including the instructions to remove the hidden partition, you will delete the hidden partition, you will delete all partitions, and create one partition that uses the entire available space on your hard drive. Therefore, all available space is usable.

So what about tools and such? If you copy the swtools folder, as described in the guide, it contains all of the utilities and programs that came from the factory. Most of these are lite versions or older versions of current full applications.

I think most of this is covered in the F.A.Q. at the bottom of the guide. Please give it another read.

 

It works for me, so it could be just you. Or maybe a temp outage.

 

I can't answer your question with 100% certainty. However, as I understand it, Penry n will also be using the same chipset platform as the current Santa Rosa (the P965 chipset platform). Since the Chipset/INF driver from Intel is for ALL 900 series chipsets, that should include Penryn.

 

great guide you have here stallen, really appreciate the work thats gone into it!

I hate to waster people's time, but I have a slight bug which I'm hoping someone can help me with.
When I raise or lower the screen brightness with Fn + Home/End it no longer has the green colored OSD showing the brightness bar, the same occurs for volume control buttons, i.e. when I adjust them, the OSD is not shown.
Have I not installed the correct driver? or is this part of one of the ThinkVantage packages?
Both the display and the sound are working fine, its just I'm missing the OSD for when I adjust them.
I've searched through the thread but haven't seen any mention of this, although if it has been dealt with before I apologize for the duplication.

thanks.