Official Lenovo Thinkpad Clean Install Guide

CLEAN WINDOWS INSTALL GUIDE FOR THINKPADS
Works for all ThinkPad models + Windows XP/Vista 32-bit/64-bit


First and foremost, please make recovery disks by pressing the blue ThinkVantage button and locating the Rescue and Recovery program. Within, select the options to burn your Recovery Disks. DO NOT LOSE THEM- you can only make one copy!! These disks will restore your laptop to full factory settings.

You can keep the recovery partition on your hard drive (approx. 6GB) or you can proceed to delete it. Do not delete the recovery partition if you want to use Lenovo's software method!


Deleting the 6GB Recovery Partition:


1. Press WINDOWS + R to open Run window
2. Type "diskpart" and press ENTER
3. Type "list disk" in command prompt and press ENTER
4. Select the main disk (usually the largest one). For example, if your main disk is disk 0, type "select disk 0"
5. Once the disk is selected, type "list partition" and press ENTER
6. Recovery paritition will be around 4000MB to about 7000MB, usually labeled "partition 1"
7. Type "select partition 1" and press ENTER
8. Type "delete partition override" and press ENTER


There are two ways towards a clean install.

Option A:
You can use Lenovo's software method, which benefits those who are satisfied with the version of Windows they bought with their ThinkPad or consider themselves computer illiterate. In other words, if you are an idiot and you need idiot-proof instructions, do it this way.

Options B, C, and D:
You can also do a clean install from a Windows setup disc. This way is more conventional and allows people to install a different version of Windows that came with their computer. Option B is for people wanting to install the Windows Vista license that came with the ThinkPad. Option C is for people wanting to install their own copy of Windows Vista. Option D is for people who want to install Windows XP.
NOTE: Options B, C, and D will wipe out all Lenovo-flavored decorations, including wallpapers and Sidebar gadgets. Wallpapers can be downloaded here and include factory-installed Lenovo wallpapers in widescreen or standard aspect flavors. Included are the ThinkAmericas and ThinkAsia maps, Swoosh, and ThinkDots wallpapers.


Option A: Using Lenovo Recovery Software


1. Download and install ThinkVantage Base Software Administrator.
2. Run Base Software Administrator and start a new manifest. Select the software you want included with your install and save your install manifest.
3. Use the "deploy" function within Base Software Administrator to apply settings to your recovery partition.
4. Reboot your computer and press the ThinkVantage blue button.
5. After Rescue & Recovery pre-OS environment loads, start a recovery process and you'll be able to select certain options or otherwise do your customized recovery. Wait for the custom reinstall to finish.


Option B: Installing the copy of Windows Vista that came with your computer


IMPORTANT LEGAL INFORMATION: Microsoft Windows Vista OEM Activation instructions are included. These instructions are legal to follow as long as you are using your own Windows Vista OEM license key and are activating the copy of Windows Vista only on the computer the software was purchased with.

1. Download and run this keyfinder and write down your OEM license key. Don't be lazy and use the one on the license sticker under your laptop - it's not the right one.
2. Download and extract the Lenovo OEM license file. Save it to an external storage device.
3. Download ThinkVantage System Update and save it to an external storage device.
4. Insert Windows disk and reboot.
5. On reboot, press F12 until temporary boot menu appears.
6. Select CD-ROM drive.
7. Windows setup will load. Proceed through install menus until setup is finished. When asked to enter product key, use the one you found in Step 1.
8. When Windows is installed and running, grab your external storage device and copy the Lenovo OEM license file from your storage device to the C: folder.
9. Open Command Prompt with administrator priviledges by typing "cmd" in the Vista search bar, right clicking "cmd.exe" and selecting "Run as administrator."
10. Type in Command Prompt two things:

Code:

slmgr –ilc c:/lenovo.oemcert.100036.xrm-ms

which installs the key. Wait for a dialog box to pop up indicating license file installation success and then type

Code:

slmgr –ato

into the prompt which activates Vista.
11. Install and run ThinkVantage System Update to install drivers. Not all the ThinkVantage software offered in the System Update program is necessary. To find out what each one does and which ones you want, check out the ThinkVantage Software Guide.
12. If you have the fingerprint reader, download and install fingerprint reader software.
13. If you have the webcam, download and install webcam drivers. These work for both Vista and XP.


Option C: Installing your own copy of Windows Vista


1. Download ThinkVantage System Update and save it to an external storage device.
2. Insert Windows disk and reboot.
3. On reboot, press F12 until temporary boot menu appears.
4. Select CD-ROM drive.
5. Windows setup will load. Proceed through install menus until setup is finished.
6. Install ThinkVantage System Update.
7. Run ThinkVantage System Update to install drivers. Not all the ThinkVantage software offered in the System Update program is necessary. To find out what each one does and which ones you want, check out the ThinkVantage Software Guide.
8. If you have the fingerprint reader, download and install fingerprint reader software.
9. If you have the webcam, download and install webcam drivers. These work for both Vista and XP.


Option D: Installing any copy of Windows XP


1. Download ThinkVantage System Update and save it to an external storage device.
2. Insert Windows disk and reboot.
3. Press F1 when restarting to enter the BIOS.
4. Change the SATA option from AHCI to Compatible. Also, change boot order so that CD-ROM is loaded first and then exit BIOS. Don't forget to change these settings back when the clean install is over!
5. Windows setup will load. Proceed through install menus until setup is finished.
6. Install ThinkVantage System Update.
7. Run ThinkVantage System Update to install drivers. Not all the ThinkVantage software offered in the System Update program is necessary. To find out what each one does and which ones you want, check out the ThinkVantage Software Guide.
8. If you have the fingerprint reader, download and install fingerprint reader software.
9. If you have the webcam, download and install webcam drivers.


For additional ThinkVantage programs, click here and select "ThinkVantage Technologies" in the first drop-down box.

For the original Lenovo factory-installed wallpapers, download and extract the files from here.

For additional drivers, click here.

 

Good work johnny, but it seems the links aren't correct.

 

Sure they are. I click them and they load just fine........

 

Johnny
what about adding this one to your Lenovo Thinkpad FAQ thread?

 

I did, as a link. LOL already people aren't reading the FAQ.

 

I think you should add this link so people can buy a Vista disc since I don't think they are shipping with one.

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/windowsvista/buyorupgrade/addlicense/howto.mspx

Just to bad you can't link directly since it takes you to your basket after you hit "online"

 

Johnny
you made it easy for everyone , Thank you

 

Well done Johnny.

 

Sorry bout that. I don't know why they didn't work for me at first. Maybe it was the lenovo site. But once again, superb job.

 

johnny, are you using Vista 32-bit on your T61?

 

Yes .

 

how much did your 160GB 7200rpm HD cost you?
i'm thinking of getting a 7200rpm drive to help Vista during high read/write times

 

We should discuss this in another thread or through PM.

 

I asked before, but I'll reiterate that I need help on the Base Software Administrator instructions because I've never used it before. If you've used it, please let us know!

 

Does this install work to downgrade from vista to XP also? When I did it, it is asking for a: drive. Help!

 

so after a clean Vista install, the first thing I should do it get an internet connection and use the ThinkVantage update?

 

Good job man, I was wondering how to get diskpart to work. I tried to give you props again but looks like I have to spread it around first.

 

I did not receive a copy of any windows media with my system. Will I be able to install a copy of vista 32 and vista 64 bit off the partition lenovo created. If I order a backup copy from Microsoft, will my vista Ultimate serial number work with both versions as well?

 

I have the same question because once I get my laptop, I would like to have a clean installation of XP.

Thanks a lot!

 

I think you need to activate SATA drivers right before the XP installation starts by pressing F6 or something while the installation is loading (blue blackground). That's the best detail I can go into because I've never needed to do it myself. This is why I've been asking for contributions, but unfortunately, no one cares.

 

Regarding step 1, "Insert Windows disk and reboot." Where do I get this windows disk? It doesn't come with my t61 right?

 

Question, is it really illegal to download and burn the "Upgrade anywhere" DVD from windows? As far as I know it's useless without a legit key, right? I'm still going to look to download it and use the key I legally purchased when I get my machine, but if it's legal someone here can point me in a right direction

 

It comes in the form of Windows Anytime Upgrade. If it doesn't, contact Lenovo for one.

It is legal.

 

I'm confused, why do we need to make recovery disks? Doesn't the t61 come with recovery disks?

 

Read the Thinkpad Sticky in my sig to find the answer to that question.

 

This really is an awesome guide. I just tried it on my brand new ThinkPad and it worked wonders. Thanks OP!!!

 

Updated with correct instructions for Base Software Administrator

 

Updated with activation instructions

 

Thanks for sharing this potentially valuable information/knowledge.

Can those who have successfully followed the procedures report the performance of their machines in terms of:

(1) Using Option A procedure or Option B procedure

(2) Which original Thinkpad software items have been excluded from your clean install?

(3) "Before and after" performance improvement % (guesstimates will be fine, also boot up time, shut down time performance).

Thanks.

 

There are a lot of option out there you can also look at this guide:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=144783

 

Instead of offering self-promotion, I'll give you an actual answer.

1. I used Option B.

2. I exclude Access Connections, EasyEject utility, Rescue and Recovery, & Client Security Solutions

3. Before I had the original factory install. After I used Option B. Can't give you percentages, which I think is asking way too much because no one is going to calculate on their own the % for fun and no one is going to go back and do two reinstalls just to answer your question. But, since you say guesstimates are fine, I can tell you that boot up time is significantly faster, down to 45 seconds from time I press the power button to when I can open Firefox.

Shut down can be fast or slow depending on how much stuff was loaded into memory when I used the computer. In other words, if I powered on and immediately shut down the computer, shut down will be fast. But if I ran 4 intensive programs and then shut down, shut down will be slower. Bottom line is, do a clean install whatever option you like because any of them will be of significant benefit to you in terms of performance.

 

Thanks for sharing your info and knowledge. It would be my dream that my T61 can boot up in 45 seconds (now is almost 2 minutes on T7500 with 2GB RAM). My 3-year old X40 with all the IBM original software takes less than 1 min 30 secs. I certainly will try your procedure on my T61 after I have all the necessary software ready (the recovery discs, perhaps also taking an image of my entire drive to retain my current configuration and installed software just in case).

 

One word of advice for you guys looking to optimize your TPads.

"nliteos"

 

I read in the manual, and if I remember correctly, it said that it is set up to be able to reformat without the disks. Whats that about?

How will I get Windows vista back when I delete it?

Where can I get Nvidia Quadro drivers? Do I download the 8400 gs/gt drivers?

 

You have a hidden recovery partition that you can do a factory reinstall from, but you'll get the same garbage that's on your laptop now. If you use the base software administrator option I list in the guide, you'll be able to use that partition to do a clean install w/o the junk software.

It's part of the rescue & recovery partition.

from ThinkVantage System Update 3.

Just read through the guide. Then, feel free to ask anything that you still don't understand.

 

Two (possibly very foolish) questions:

First, why would I want to delete the recovery partition? Just for the additional 8GB? Also, must I do a clean install after deleting the recovery partition?

Second, for doing a clean install, what are the main advantages of using the Lenovo Software Method over the Windows Vista? I have an X61 and don't even *have* the Vista Business installation CD - is option 2 (Windows Disk) even an option for me?

Thanks for the very thorough guide - sorry I am confused

 

Pretty much. And it's actually only 5 GB. If you don't care about the 5GB, don't delete it. Although remember that if you keep the partition, the only way you can link the blue button back to it is if you reinstall ThinkVantage Rescue & Recovery.

No. You can keep using your bloated factory-install if you wish.

As explained in the guide, the advantage of using the Lenovo Base Software Administrator program is that you'll have all your drivers in check and there's less configuration that you have to do on your part. If you're not so computer literate, option A is best. However, the Windows Vista method allows more customization, but honestly, if I didn't order Vista Basic from Lenovo while having Ultimate on hand (can't install an upgrade of Vista with Base Software Administrator), I would not use Option B because it takes more time to do.

 

Fully updated with Windows XP love.

 

If I do a complete reinstall, is there any way to reinstall PC Doctor or Diskeeper?

 

Not unless you used Base Software Administrator or bought retail versions of those programs.

 

those two programs are kind of useless anyways, right?

 

Diskeeper is a great defragmenter program, but you can live without it. I don't know what PC Doctor does.

 

I edited Option B again. I tried to make it as easy to follow as possible while integrated instructions for both XP and Vista installations.

 

Thanks a lot for the very patient, well-thought out reply. Hopefully I will be able to do this as soon as I have a non-wobbly machine

 

Man, I read the instructions for the clean install and it still seems hard to understand for me. I formatted my other notebook no problem, but this seems confusing to me.

Which do you recommend for me: I just want clean vista and have the think vantage software, and I want to do it without making discs.

Someone should make a guide for people like me, that don't know computers that well, step by step, clear and plain. I'm not saying these are not, just that I can't follow them.

 

I told you already, use Option A. That is the idiot-proof method and you don't have to make discs. As good an excuse not being computer literate is, if a simple, idiot-proof method is presented to you, then you have no excuse to still ask how you can do a clean install without making discs. It has only four steps for crying out loud.

Also, just for the sake of improving this guide, can you please point specific sections that confuse you? I can try my best to edit it to make it more clear if you give specific suggestions rather than say "I don't get it" because I have no idea what you want.

 

Hi Playmaker,

As some folks here, I didn't receive any software other than a MS OneNote 2007 cd with my t61p.

Using the option A, you clearly told us to do a recovery disk. Because I'm very carefull with that type of ''Only one copy'' limitation, I would like to create another copy of the recovery disk. I should not have any problem isn't it?

 

You should add the ABR tool to this clean install guide, I have done a clean install and used this tool to complete the activation backup and restore (ABR).

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=120228

 

Oh, that looks a lot easier. But who is responsible for making the program (it's not Orev)?

If you already made a copy, Rescue & Recovery will not let you make one again. Only way is to copy your first copy of recovery discs using Nero or another disc-burning program.

 

Thanks to the patient Playmaker for the helpful guide! Just need some clarification.

New T60p with vista preinstalled. Not prepared for that leap yet, so have done a clean install with an xp pro sp2 cd.

Got to Option B step 7, but had to enter product key to complete xp installation!?

Then couldn't complete step 10 successfully?

Can you comment or offer a work-around?

BF