New T61 is a lazy computer: help!

Hello-

Some 4 weeks after ordering, I've finally received my tank-like T61.

First difficulty: XP Pro disc gets "Y'all don't have a hard drive, man..." error. Switched some ASA.. or SATA... some acronym to "Compatibility" in the BIOS, everything chummy. (Question 1: Is "Compatibility" at all harmful as a permanent setting?)

Second difficulty: Once installed, I can reach a functional desktop. Alas, none of the Fn+x keys work, so I can't change brightness. [Although I can us Fn to adjust when I am in the BIOS No response from the volume keys. Same with the ThinkVantage button. Music won't play: claims there is no audio hardware. Won't recognize the wireless card. Doesn't recognize any display aside from "(Default Monitor) on".

(Question 2: What gives?)

Aside from that, it keeps telling me I can Safely Remove the DVD/CDRW. Creepy. I flew in support with my USB drive (hotkey, wireless & audio drivers) to no effect.

Unsure of how to proceed. I would be very grateful for help; until then I'll keep playing with the strange little red dot in the middle of the keyboard.

~GoldenAss

 

I wound go lenvo grab drivers for xp for model or get system update client it will search find drivers for model one you get online

so you need to install chipset vga network wifi

also for install depend bios you want to put in ide compaptilbly mode

or you need to use f6 and sata drivers for you model dur the xp setup

 

1. You need to load the SATA drivers onto an external floppy and load drivers during the XP install, or slipstream them into a new XP Install CD.

2. You need to install drivers / software for the function keys to work.

3. The DVD drive is hot-swappable, thus it will show in the Safely remove hardware utility... thats normal.

 

Mr. GAss, seems like you need to do search on clean XP install. That could wipe out part of your confusion

 

after xp install you can change hard drive compatibility mode back to its normal setting

get your wifi/lan drivers and then use system update to pick out what you need.

or do what microgt said and use the xp clean install guide located in the sticky

 

That is NOT something you want to do - you will end up with a BSOD on your next boot-up.

Leaving it in compatibility mode will not have any adverse effects. Actually, you will not notice any difference between AHCI and compatibility mode. The main thing you are missing is command queuing, which is really unnecessary for anything other than servers, where it provides a nice performance boost.

And yes, check out the XP Clean Install thread for further info about the drivers, etc.

 

not an issue if you install the correct chipset drivers

you also lose hot swapping for sata drives in addition to ncq (which is need for some burner/dvd burning setups)