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

Not everyone has those files, which is why there are so many other options listed. That folder is most likely the entire contents of the Windows Upgrade disc, so you can probably burn it right to disc and install with it. Those X* files you're looking for only come with the downloaded version, and self-extract to become the files you already have. Take a look at my guide (see sig) for pointers on how to burn that folder to make a bootable DVD.

 

i'll go ahead and burn from C:\WAUUPGRD\sources, unless you believe i need everything in C:\WAUUPGRD.

thanks, orev!

jeffrey

 

No, you can;t just burn whatever you want. Those files are structured in a certain way so the disc can be bootable. You absolutely MUST follow a guide on how to burn them, otherwise your disc will be useless. You need to use vlite ( http://www.vlite.net/ ) which has a guide available here: http://directedge.us/files/abr/vlite.pdf

 

burning the DVD worked like a charm, now on to the installation...

thanks, orev!!

 

I am going to be getting my new T61p soon and like the rest of you do not like bloatware.

Q. #1. Is it possible to recreate the hidden partition?

Q. #2. For warranty reasons would it make any since to take the current HDD out, put it in storage, and buy another HDD to use? (in case the laptop ever has to go back to the manufacturer?)

 

The download links for the x64 Vista do not work.

 

hi orev,

i made the bootable DVD using vLite, but can't get my t61p to boot from the DVD, even when i move the order of the DVD player in the BIOS to boot first.

i've searched for an answer with no luck... any ideas?

thanks for all your help!

jeffrey

 

Does this instruction apply to X200?

 

hi folks,

i removed my HDD from the boot order and was unable to boot the machine. msg next to dvd reads, "no valid operating system", so it looks like the "bootable" DVD i made won't work. i carefully followed the directions for making the DVD, so i'm at a loss as to what's wrong.

i could give up here, but wonder if i can't throw some money at the problem and just buy the cheapest version of Vista, then use that DVD to boot up and walk through a clean install using Orev's great ABR utility.

does this seem like a reasonable plan?

any help is greatly appreciated!

jeff

 

i burned the DVD again in vLite, and by hitting apply was able to choose my OS - Business - allowing me to burn a much smaller DVD. don't know if that made a difference, but it worked!

now, onto the driver install.

thanks orev and stallen, for all your help!!

jeff

 

Hi all, my first post here at notebookreview. Thanks to all who take the effort to help the new guys. Although I don't have my T61 14,1 yet and just read the guide I already know this guide is really superb. Thanks alot.

My first question however. Quote from the guide:

My laptop is going to be delivered with a pre-installed Windows Vista Business edition. However, no disks: only the hidden partition with recovery files.

So, to my understanding, this guide can only be followed if you purchase a new vista license so that you have an installation disk/dvd with only the windows vista installation files?? That should be ridiculous right!?

Possible solution:
As a student, I can buy vista for about 60 euro, but these are only upgrade DVD's. Maybe I should copy a full vista dvd from a friend and use my own key or is that illegal?

 

No, in fact, it is the opposite. This guide is about how to use the current license you already have to install a clean version. In the past, many people who wanted a clean install had to do exactly what you suggest and wind up purchasing another license.

The main goal of these guides are to show you that you only need to obtain the install media, and do NOT need to buy another license with it. It's worth looking into borrowing the disc from someone else who already has it, which goes to the point that all discs are the same.

As long as you install using your license, it does not matter how you obtain the disc itself... you just have to be industrious.

 

exactly, this guide is for those you have an existing vista install. I suggest you use the program ABR to backup your vista activation file. That way, when you get a hold of a vista install dvd (I downloaded mine when it was available), then you can perform a clean install. The ABR files that get created include your Vista CD-Key.

 

@Orev and raysmd.

Ah what a delight. I understand and that was my goal all along. I have found a good link which tells me all I need to know about the installation disk for vista (whitout license since you already have it ).

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=120228
(yes, it´s orev´s topic)

Now I know all I need to know. Thanks very, very much.

 

I´ve managed to purchase an anytime upgrade dvd from ebay, should be arriving in a couple of days.

Somebody on another forum got me thinking. The pre installed windows vista business is a dutch version (language). The anytime upgrade dvd is english.

Should this give any problems with the preactivated key-license?

 

Does this clea installation guide work for X200?

 

I don't think the language will be a problem.

 

Nope they don't.

does anyone have working links to download the x64 versio with SP1 ?

there used to be some anytime upgrade DVD on the compusa site last year, for $10 only (you needed a license of course).
That was great, but I can't find it anymore, ****!

 

There are no language problems. I was able to customize a vista business spanish install the other day. NOTE: the only version that microsoft allows MUI is vista enterprise or ultimate. but with vlite i was ablel to slipstream sp1 and the spanish language packs.

 

I know this is a really noob questions but...in Step1 1 of the guide, it says I should make backup discs, 1 CD and 2 DVD's.

My T61 doesn't come with a DVD burner, so is the install guide not gonna be relevant for me?

Thanks

 

Stallen,
Thanks for the awesome guide! I am going to be following it pretty soon, as my new harddrive has arrived.

If you see this post, I have one request - Could you have a link to a PDF version of this guide in addition to the one in HTML format that you put in this thread? I am not sure if others have had problems printing it, but I have. A PDF version would make printing a lot easier allowing me to have a version offline while I do the clean install. Thanks.

 

I am in the process of doing a clean install on my x61 Tablet, but I can not seem to find these two drivers on the Lenovo Driver page.

• UltrNav DRIVER
• UltraNav UTILITY

Anyone know if they are under a different name?

Thanks

 

My x61 tablet came with 8 recovery CDs, one of which is bootable. Do i need to create the recovery CDs in step one or are they the same thing as what lenovo provided?

 

Not sure if Stallen visits this thread anymore. I had a few questions and was wondering if Stallen or anybody else could answer them. I am about 1/2 way done with my clean install. I am clean installing Vista Business 64 from an anytime upgrade disc without SP1. I read through 94 pages of this thread and got tired. So here are my questions...

1.) My machine was custom built and I choose the option to make it WANN ready. I don't have a WANN card right now from Verizon or anybody else and am not using this feature currently. I would however like it completely functional for future use. Is there any driver I need to install for being WANN ready? I saw drivers for Verizon and another service's cards, but as I said I don't have the cards.

2.) The Thinkvantage button is supposed to be nonfunctional after this clean install. But is it nonfunctional before the machine boots into Windows? Can't I get into my BIOS with it?

3.) I am currently on the step of installing the Wifi driver. I have the Intel 4965AGN card. As I was reading the driver's installation instructions, I saw that it wanted me to install some Windows update first, before installing this driver. How do I download it and install it without a functioning Wifi card? This is a Catch-22.

Thanks!

 

First point - You can use 9 CD-R's to make the backup discs instead of DVDs

Second Point - The clean install cannot be done from these backup discs, they are only for backup to restore your machine with bloat and all to day one conditions(like if you were to sell it etc). You need the Anytime upgrade, OEM or Retail Vista discs to do the clean install.

 

i'll answer question 3... you simply need to download the file via a second computer.

good luck with q's 1 & 2.

jeffrey

 

Hey everyone!

I just received my Thinkpad t61 6465.

Should I do a clean install as instructed on the first page of this thread? Is the guide outdated considering it was made last year?

Thanks a lot!

 

1. Whatever card you get will come with drivers. You'll also surely be able to download them.

2. Don't know

3. The prepared installer will have a copy of all drivers downloaded and saved somewhere BEFORE they do the install. Also, wired networking almost certainly works without drivers. Or you could follow bluenote's suggestion.

Yes, this is still relevant. Vista has been out for a while, but the install process for it does not change. All that changes are the drivers. If you download all the drivers for your model number, that's all you really need.

 

Thanks for the responses bluenote78 and orev.

I am pretty much done with the clean install(Most everthing went pretty well) and would like to make a few comments...

1.) The Thinkvantage button still works before the OS is loaded, so that you may enter the BIOS of the laptop with it. The Thinkvantage button, as mentioned earlier in the thread, does not work once booted into Vista. This made me very happy.

2.) I was completely prepared for this install. I had downloaded all the drivers and separated them properly onto a USB thumb drive. What I did not do was to read the readme files for each driver before the install. I obviously read them before each driver was installed so that I followed the procedure as closely as possible. The one strange issue I ran into was with the Wifi driver. If you read the readme they mention that you must install some patch from Microsoft before installing the driver. I looked for this patch, as suggested, and read the notes regarding it. MS basically says that this patch should only be installed in emergencies, and that it was still being tested. If you don't have to install it, don't. They say that it is best to download and install the latest service pack(SP1) that includes this patch and others. I didn't do this because I didn't know how installing SP1 would affect the install at this point and Stallen's instructions say that with the FP software, you must install it before SP1. So, I just installed the Wifi drivers and all others drivers, in the order specified, and will install SP1 now last.
I don't see any problems with the Wifi even without this patch included in SP1, but I will install SP1 of course.

 

How long would it take for a novice like me to do this install? Thanks.

 

I just did this on my T61p, my laptop feels so clean that it feels physically lighter when I am carrying it around haha.

from step 1 to step 4, then installing all windows updates including sp1 it took me about 6 hours. I was being meticulous and making sure I don't **** up though and restarting after every update. I think I also read through 120 pages of this thread before starting just to see what problems other encountered so I can avoid them. Without the super anal stuff I think it'll take like 4 for a first-timer.

The only thing I have left is to perhaps switch to latest nvidia drivers instead of the lenovo drivers, I heard its better for gaming performance.

 

Deleted....

 

Ok, maybe its because its 3am and I am stil trying to install my first driver...

I installed a fresh copy of Vista Ultimate 64 bit on my new hard drive (KR200) in my new T61 thinkpad. I inserted the install disk, shut down the system, installed the new hard drive, and rebooted. Installed Vista right up until it asked for my username and Pw, then I ejected the disc and proceeded.

When I click on the .exe file on my USB stick it come sup with an error message "The version of this file is not compatible with the version of windows you're runing. Check your computer's system information to see whether you need an X86 (32-bit) or X64 (64-bit) version of the program, and then contact the software publisher.

Any ideas? I beat going to bed hopefully someone can tell me what bone head thing i'm not doing. FYI I have tried installing some drivers onto the HD then running but the same thing. I have followed all the read me files on how to install each driver but still nothing.... Geez

I'm sure its something small and stupid im missing

Thanks

Clint

 

Still not asleep... hooked up an ethernet cable and ran drivers directly off the site and they work,. so I guess I need to format my USB mem stick and figure out whats wrong with it....

Thanks

 

What .exe file did you click on?

 

I noticed, now that I am at the part that I've reinstalled vista (drivers still to come) that I have only about 150GB of my 160Gb disk. Is that normal? I did remove the hidden partition using the guide and I also formatted the two partitions I created.

Is that just because the 160gb drive is not bigger than 150gb?

 

Your 160GB drive is actually ~148.96Gb in size and then the Vista OS files are themselves taking space without the drivers/patches installed.

 

I see, so the drive itself uses about 10GB for... what?

I just succesfully reinstalled all the drivers. Note:

* Make sure you download the correct W LAN (there are two to be find with the two links provided in the guide).
* When you are going to download the correct drivers, pick up the readme's directly, otherwise you have to navigate to the *.exe files again to find the corresponding readme's (that works pretty demoralizing, specially when you're working at night... I can tell... ).

!!!To all of those who've made this guide possible, very very much thanks for all your efforts!!! Eternal fame

 

I got so caught up in using my new laptop since I followed this guide that I forgot to come back here and post my thanks to all that worked and still work on this . If you follow this guide step by step it works perfectly.

The only problem I had was getting a hold of the 3 files to make a Vista 64 disk. But after a bunch of searching I found them and got the disc made. The only thing that's worth mentioning is that the program Belarc Advisor also will show the pre-activated windows serial.

I also needed this file (ETFSBOOT.COM) in order to make the x64 disk, you take it and put it in the vista/boot folder before running cdimage.

Thanks again to all that worked on this, your help is very very much appreciated .

 

Its not being used for anything. The issue is that manufacturers rate their drives with the premise that 1GB = 1000MB where in fact actually 1GB = 1024MB which leads to a smaller drive size. This is normal and a common question.

What do you mean by this, I am confused? Are you talking about the wired ethernet, wireless card or WWAN?

 

100% correct, unfortunately the bigger the drive the more you notice is missing. I have a 500gb drive in the computer I am using right now but it only shows up as being a 465gb drive due to the conversion issue. It's been this way since the dawn of hard drives.

 

Aha. Welcome knowledge.

I mean the wireless LAN, the wifi, the wireless internet connection or how the hell that is called. I could find two, but only one was suitable for my intel hardware. So it's just a note to take notice which wlan driver you pick.

 

hi guys, after a resume from suspend thinkpad Fn+Fx keys are act a bit spastic for me and I am a little confused as to the various ridiculous number of EXE's of lenovo software that run in the background and do... I'm not sure what exactly.

At the moment: Fn+F2, F3, F5, F8, and F9 do not do anything.

F4 I have disabled (it is sleep, not sure if it would work if I did enable it), F7 makes my screen flicker, F12 does hibernate.

The following processes are running:
TPONSCR.exe - user
TpScrew.exe - user
TPOSDSVC.exe - user
TPHDEXLG.exe - SYSTEM (this is active protection)

The thinkpad power manager is running (I have a battery icon on bottom left of start bar).

From what I can tell the executable files are in a mismash of directories under program files directory, either under 'lenovo' or 'thinkpad'

Lenovo\HOTKEY has the executables which are RUN when the Fn keys are pressed. But what do I need to run to actually handle the keypad input?



For the record this is not a driver issue as far as I can tell. The keys work fine after a reboot, it's just after a suspend (or some time using the computer) that they muck up.

 

I went up to STEP 3 #12, but I do not see 'Driver option (advanced)' or 'New' where I can delete a partition where Vista is installed and make a larger partition.

I'm using a retail full Vista CD to do a clean install.

 

See if that shows up if you click on one of the partitions in the list. Then do you see that option show up?

 

I did my custom factory install recently via Rescue and Recovery on my t61 and the blue button and the volume buttons all stopped working a while later. I kept most of the ThinkVantage Utilities when I did the install. Is there anyway I can get those 4 keys to work again? thanks a lot.

 

Download and try reinstalling the hotkeys and system interface drivers again.

 

What other system interface drivers should I reinstall besides the Lenovo system interface driver ? Thanks again.

 

the volume keys started working but the blue button still doesn't respond to anything. In fact, I can't even open up the thinkvantage productivity center. Please help me out guys.

 

This is one of the things that does not work after a clean install. Read Stallen's FAQ. I don't think anyone has found a solution to this.