New T61p woes...

Just got a new T61p "15 and I am pleased with the physical quality. I am not pleased with the software. It feels bloated and sluggish. There are so many applications running it is ridiculous. I know many of the functions served by these programs can be done by a default windows install. Also, they use large fonts for desktop icons, window menus and text; you cannot change this from the typical appearance control panel.

This thing is a piece of crap and I can't believe they call this a pro level item.

That being said I did attempt to do a clean install but XP install could not proceed as it rejected my product key (found on the bottom of the laptop).

I will probably attempt again afterwork and do some more research. Has anyone else had this problem with the product key being rejected?

 

The key on the bottom of your laptop is for OEM use only. You cannot use any XP cd and expect to have it work with your key.

 

That's great but what is the solution?

 

I'm using a new T61 from work with Xp installed (Vista removed). I've spent a considerable amount of time pruning the Lenovo utilities.

After having it for about a month I went to the control panel and removed programs I never used.

Then I checked the process list and googled each process that was using a lot of RAM. This helped me uninstall a bunch of other stuff.

This was after a clean install, if you can believe that. It's running pretty well now. It really is nice hardware, and it's a shame they pollute it with so many crappy programs that are supposedly helping you.

If your product key is for Vista then obviously you can't use it to install XP. If you machine came with XP then I think your product code is for an OEM copy of XP, not a retail version. I've never re-installed an OEM OS so I don't know the process. Eventually I'll probably put Vista back on this laptop just to try it out, after the first service pack is out. Anybody know how to go about doing this? I know there's a recovery partition on the hard drive but I don't know how to get to it.

Greg.

 

Either you use an OEM XP cd which you can get from Lenovo, or you buy/aquire another cd key and use that with your XP cd.

 

I believe there is another option.

I believe that if he calls the Microsoft Electronic Keys Office, that he can tell them he is doing a clean install, give the label on the bottom of the machine and he will be supplied with a usable key.

My machine suddenly reported that it was no longer activated aftre two MS Updates. This third option was recommended by Lenovo support. I didn't need to do so because i had a good backup.

 

No, the key on the bottom IS a real key, it's just unactivated. Call Microsoft and you'll be able to activate Windows with it. OEMs don't use it because they'd have to then enter a key for each copy rather than just install an image and be done with it.

 

The problem isn't really the activation; the installer won't proceed without a valid key and the key on the sticker is rejected. I will probably just call Microsoft.

And yes, the laptop came with XP Pro installed.

 

I tried the Key when my Vista system was inactivated. It was rejected locally as not being a real key. Had it been algorithmically valid, Vista would have accepted it.

 

I am looking to do exactly the same thing. It is apparently fairly difficult to get the OEM install media.

Attached below is my conversation with Microsoft Genuine Advantage\

SystemSystem
Initial Question/Comment: IBM Certification of Authenticity
4:57:28 PM SystemSystem
Justin has joined this session!
4:57:28 PM SystemSystem
Connected with Justin
4:57:33 PM AgentJustin
Welcome to Microsoft Customer Service Chat, Dan.
4:57:38 PM AgentJustin
How may I assist you?
4:58:20 PM CustomerDan
I am attempting to do a clean install of Windows XP Pro on my IBM thinkpad. It initially came preloaded with Windows XP Pro and has a certificate on the back with a product key.
4:58:33 PM AgentJustin
Okay.
4:58:42 PM CustomerDan
My hard drive crashed and I am attempting to install. Unfortunetly I do not have the OEM install media and would not like to use it, as it installs other 'stuff'.
4:59:07 PM CustomerDan
I was able to get an install CD from the system admin at work, with SP2 slipstreamed already, but it fails to accept the product key
4:59:58 PM CustomerDan
Is there a replacement CD I can purchase or a way to exchange my product key for one that will work with the universal install media?
5:00:49 PM AgentJustin
Please give me a moment.
5:01:12 PM CustomerDan
Sure thing
5:01:59 PM AgentJustin
Since, Windows XP Media Center came preinstalled on your computer, please contact the manufacturer of your computer to obtain a replacement CD for Windows XP Media Center.
5:02:36 PM AgentJustin
please view the following page that lists contact information for most computer manufacturers:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=fh;en-us;oemphone
5:02:57 PM CustomerDan
It was XP pro, but anyways, they only provide media with other software preinstalled, which I do not want to do. I have a valid key and a valid install media. Is it possible for them to work together?
5:04:01 PM AgentJustin
I am sorry for the typo. IBM will assist you to obtain a replacement CD for Windows XP Professional edition.
5:04:35 PM AgentJustin
Please note that product key is unique for each copy of Windows and it cannot be interchanged.
5:06:09 PM CustomerDan
I have worked with them, they state they will only provide their restore image, not allowing for a clean installation. There are numerous product key's floating around the internet. From what you are saying even though I have a legit license the only way to achieve a clean install is to use a pirated product key. This is the only way to get the installer to advance
5:07:04 PM CustomerDan
Is there no way for you to deactive the product kiey I currently have and generate a key that is valid with the general installation media?
5:07:14 PM CustomerDan
I would perfer to use the product key that I purchased
5:07:21 PM AgentJustin
Hence, I suggest that you obtain a replacement disk for Windows XP Professional that was already installed on your computer and use the product that you originally obtained along with it.
5:08:28 PM AgentJustin
Please note that you can use the original product key that you obtained only with the copy of Windows XP Professional that came preinstalled on your computer.
5:08:42 PM CustomerDan
IBM will not provide a clean installation CD and states they are not required to do so by Microsoft.
5:09:05 PM CustomerDan
I am aware that method will work, but require a clean installation
5:09:12 PM CustomerDan
Without 3rd party software
5:09:57 PM AgentJustin
Note that part of the OEM and Microsoft agreement is to allow Original Equipment Manufacturers to provide replacement disk for the products they have installed on a particular computer.
5:11:20 PM CustomerDan
They state that they are not required to supply windows xp alone, but can bundle it with other (undeseriable) software.
5:12:23 PM AgentJustin
I recommend that you contact our Technical Support Team at: (800) 936 5700. They are available from Monday - Friday, 5:00 A.M. - 9:00 P.M. Pacific Time and Saturday - Sunday, 6:00 A.M. - 3:00 P.M. Pacific Time. They will be in a better position to assist you regarding this issue.
5:12:44 PM CustomerDan
Ok, Thank you
5:12:58 PM AgentJustin
Is there anything else I can assist you with today, Dan?
5:14:03 PM AgentJustin
Thank you for contacting Microsoft Customer Service Chat. Please feel free to contact us again. We are available 7 days a week, 24 hours a day.
5:14:03 PM SystemSystem
Justin has left this session!
5:14:03 PM SystemSystem
The session has ended!

 

I believe you can do an installation with the rescue and recovery media on your partion and select which bloatware you do/don't wan't to install in a 'custom' installation. There is also other ways, try utilizing the search button. http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?t=50187&highlight=