Official Lenovo Thinkpad Clean Install Guide

Not sure who made it, but its a great little app. Worked spot on for me.

 

Orev made it.

 

No he didn't. Orev got it from came from Dave's Computer Tips (unless Orev is David Hartsock):

I just don't know if they made it though. Reason I ask is that I don't want to use it if it was made by another NBR user, but since it is from a third party, I need to know who the third party is so I can credit them. I'm guess it is Dave's Computer Tips, so I'll just cite them. I'll have this guide updated later today.

Guide has been updated.

 

WRONG! Emmm... yes he did! Obviously you didn't actually read "Dave's Computer Tips".... specifically paragraph six (under #2 Clean Install). And you didn't click on the link in paragraph six. Which will take you to Brian's site (AKA Orev). Dave got the utility from Brian.

You also didn't read where Dave said "Brian found where the original key used by the manufacturer, called an OEM key, is stored. He then wrote a program that will find the key, store the key, and install the key after you are finished with your fresh, bloatware free, install! No activation needed! No internet connections needed! No data to Microsoft!"

BTW, now that you've added the utility, your guide is coming right along. Starting to resemble mine

 

Seems you're right, and I did miss that cross-promotion between Orev's guide and Dave's Computer Tips. Anyhow, I decided to take out the program from my guide and went back to the conventional way. Takes the same amount of steps, and I didn't have to bite off of anybody. I'm pretty content with being fully responsible for the content of my guide, covering both Vista AND XP, including instructions for people who don't need to activate an OEM version of Vista, AND including the Lenovo Base Software Administrator for those wanting to do a clean install with a faint of heart. It seems this guide is COMPLETE and doesn't discriminate. Bliss, indeed.

 

Oh, save it, will ya? His guide has been right along from the start, before yours even showed up. Like I said when you first posted, your guide offers nothing unique. This guide covers every desirable installation of Vista or XP imaginable and doesn't send everyone on a wild-goose chase for drivers.

 

Wild-goose-chase for drivers? Are you kidding me? If you're competent enough to do the clean install, finding the newest working drivers is no problem.

 

Yeah, as much as I love someone promoting my guide , that is a bit over-exaggerated. Think_Disadvantage makes it seem that finding drivers is an issue, but it isn't. It's having to waste time going to each webpage to download them that is dumb. Why not just use System Update 3 to take care of 95% of all the drivers?

 

Since you asked... For one reason, I have read from several other members on this forum and the other one that system update doesn't always find the latest drivers. For another, it increases the chances of file corruption for both drivers and BIOS. You just read about MDDZ's near fiasco with his attempted BIOS update/flash. I'm sure we can both agree that system update should not be used for flashing the BIOS and that you really shouldn't do it unless you have a good reason. I feel the same way about system update and drivers. It can increase the chance of error.

Why do people update drivers? Most of the time it is because they just think it is a good idea. However, drivers don't just go stale or expire. It's not really necessary unless you have an issue. Driver updates are there to fix something, but when a new driver fixes something it might introduce a new problem. So going to the actual driver page allows the user to actually read the fixes and determine if it is something they need. If not, it might not be worth downloading and installing because it could introduce a problem they didn't have before.

 

This is very strange

I did a full backup using Ghost 12 software including the hiding partition.

Now, I want the do the clean istallation using the option A.

Looking at the preference option for the rescue and recovery, I only see the drive C (SW-Preload). I'm not able to see the 6 gig partition.
I don't see any place where I can specify both partitions.

No backup has been taken except with ghost. Should I see a special option to have both partition?

Thank you

 

Rather than simply reading about it, I've used System Update 3 several times without an issue, including the BIOS updates (I've done several clean installs). You've been on this forum long enough to know that more people visit them to complain than to offer anything of use to anyone. Those instances are isolated issues- do you think Lenovo would offer such a poor system update program to begin with? Do you think you have the chops to be a Lenovo software engineer? It works, and trying it is a much better experience than just reading about it from 1% of those who have it.

 

You don't do a clean install of the hidden partition because all the files needed for the clean install are there. Just think for a moment: if you wipe out the hidden partition, where are you supposed to get all your backup files from during the clean install? It doesn't make any sense at all, so don't worry about it and just specify C:

 

thanks. u helped newbie thinkpad owner like me a lot.
i will try the Installing the copy of Windows Vista that came with your computer on Ubuntu virtualbox or wmware tomorrow.

 

Thank you Playmaker to take the time to reply to me.

I wasn't sure if the OEM Vista Ultimate software where on my c: drive or inside of the hidden partition.

Concerning oem VISTA Ultimate, as you known, lenovo don't send a separate cd for the OS software.

If I decided to change my harddisk for another brand and/or a bigger HD, how can I intalled Vista ultimate?

Maybe this subject must be started from another thread. Before asking this question, I looked lenovo web site and cannot find any answer on this. It's a shame.

 

Look up Orev's Clean Install Guide in the HP/Compaq forum. You can even look up Stallen's Clean Install guide for Vista 32/64 bit in this forum. He goes a step further then orev and makes orev's guide thinkpad specific.

 

"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!"

I have a question about this statement which I would appreciate any help with. After I do a clean install with Lenovo's software method, then can I delete the recovery partition? Thanks in advance and especially for this helpful guide!

 

Absolutely. However, if you ever want to do a clean install with Lenovo's software method again, you'll have to use the recovery discs to restore the computer back to original factory state (w/ all the crapware and hidden partition) and then use Base Software Administrator to do a clean install.

 

Ok, thanks for the help with that, now just one more question. I already managed to botch one go at a clean install so now I need some verification about the process. Ok, so I open up Base Software and start a new Manifest file. When you go to the optional tab, all you have to do to not include them in the new install is to uncheck them or does that just remove them from the START menu? Or is there something else you have to do to make sure they're not present during the new installation like move them over to the restricted tab? Secondly, do I need any of the Optional programs or can I just get rid of them all. Some of them are obvious that I don't need them like AOL but what about stuff like SUN JRE 6.0? I have no idea if they will affect the computer from operating properly. Then you save the file and restart the computer and go into recovery, then choose custom recovery and pick the file? Is that it? Thanks again for the help, it's much appreciated!

 

The get removed from the manifest, meaning they don't get installed.

I don't remember what the optional things are, just list them and we can give you advice on each thing you're confused about. As for SUN JRE 6.0, that's the Java Runtime Environment program which you don't need, but a lot of web content uses Java. If you have stuff like Azureus or Limewire, you'll need Java. Chances are though, that when you need it you'll still be able to download it and install it anyway (it's free), don't worry about it.

No, that's not it at all. Find the option "Deploy" in the BSA and the computer will restart to do the recovery process that you customized.

 

Nice work on an guide that isn't bloated with unnecessary crap. You make it seem so simple.

 

Thanks for all the help so far but I'm still having trouble getting this thing to work so let me just go step by step through what I do because I tried it once and nothing happened. I open the program and start a new file and it brings up the screen with three tabs, required, recommened, and restricted. All the recommended applications have a blue check mark next to them. Do you just uncheck them to not include them in the install or do you move them over to the restricted tab. I have the same question for how to get rid of the required programs because some of them I obviously don't need like the fingerprint one. After you choose what you want, do you save the file? Then when you hit deploy, do you choose the saved file to deploy and then they prompt you if you want to automatically recover the system on reboot? What should happen after you finish deploying the file, will it automatically reboot and start the clean install or do you have to restart it yourself and then hit the thinkvantage button? Thanks again for all the help!

EDIT: the questionable programs that I don't know if they are necessary or just deadweight
LeaderTech Registration
Maintainance Manager 3.0
Presentation Director
System Migration Assistant
Thinkpad Easy Eject utility
Thinkpad Mobility Customization Center
Thinkpad Access Connections
Thinkpad Productivity Center
TVT Welcome Applet
Vista OOBE First Run
Vista Lenovo Welcome

 

umm the last part doesnt work for me. "slmgr –ato" it says failed.
i am using this method on virtualbox though. it doesnt work with vmware?

 

I provide this guide as a general guideline for people to do clean installs. I purposely don't cover every single nook and cranny. I find it idiotic to hold people's hands through every single dialog box, especially if they can look within the program's help files to get their answer. This guide covers things that help files don't. The point of this schpeal is that many of your questions are covered in the help file for Base Software Administrator. I know because I just installed BSA and looked myself. Questions like "what's the difference b/t restricted and optional" or "how does deployment work" are all covered. Please look in the help files ok? In all honesty, I have never used BSA. Ever. But I can figure out how it works by reading the help file.

As for your programs, I don't want to force upon you my opinion of which prgorams are good or bad. I suggest you type them up in Google to find out more about them. Look in my ThinkVantage Software Guide in my sig for information on the ThinkVantage programs. I know some aren't covered, Lenovo.com can offer information on those. As for TVT Welcome Applet, Vista OOBE First Run, and Vista Lenovo Welcome, those are just certain Lenovo customizations to the computer at first logon. If you remember, there were boxes popping up about your new computer, how you can get more accessories from Lenovo, welcome, blah blah blah. Maybe you want those, maybe you don't.

You need to do three things to activate. Enter the product key DURING SETUP (make sure you didn't gloss over that detail), install the Lenovo license file, and do the activation command. I do not know if vmware affects the Vista activation. Confirm with me that you did these three things, and we can continue with trying to fix your problem.

 

Updated with widescreen wallpaper

 

i did use magic jelly and find the actual cd key. guess there was a typo, which i doubt, i followed your guide step by step. is there any chance they changed the OEM folder on recent notebook?

 

I want to help you, but it's hard to because I'm not actually there. We could spend eternity clarifying what you did exactly and what options you have.

Point is, and I know this will come off as a pain, is I think you should try to install Vista and activate it but not in vmware. That will explain if vmware is the problem or if my instructions are. However, my guide shouldn't be because I did the same exact thing myself.

Alternatively, before doing that, you can try to re-install the key to make sure you didn't just type it in wrong the first time.

Reinstall the license file, enter the following:

Code:

slmgr -ipk [product key with dashes but exclude these brackets I just made]

and then use the activation command.

 

If I buy a Thinkpad preloaded with XP, is it recommended to do a clean install? Has anyone bought one configured with XP?

 

Yes, as the XP setup has the same amount of junk software as the Vista setup and a clean install is easy as pie. I have the instructions for the XP clean install right in my guide.

 

I just received my new Thinkpad X61s preloaded with Windows XP, and I would like to do a clean install of Windows XP as suggested in Option D. After poking around the forums here, I can't figure out how to make a bootable CD of XP so I can do a clean reinstall. I didn't receive any CDs with the computer. I did make the rescue and recovery disks.

I have tried doing a custom reinstall through the rescue and recovery app, but no windows reinstalls show up in the dialogue box under "Restore your system from a backup" -> "Restore only the Windows operating systems and applications from a backup".

Obviously I am missing something or not looking in the right places. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

You'll need your own Windows XP disk to do a Windows XP clean install. How you're going to get that- I don't know of a legal way other than purchasing the damn thing.

As for the Lenovo custom recovery, you're not doing it the right way. You have to follow the instructions under Option A, which tells you how to use Base Software Administrator to edit the recovery partition.

 

Wow - that is really annoying. I understand the whole deal with the manifests / etc. and might give that a try. However, doing a clean install would be preferable to me.

 

Don't worry- that essentially IS a clean install because you get to choose everything that you don't want or do want.

 

OK, so I am still lost. I created a manifest and deployed it. I rebooted and am now in Rescue and Recovery. How exactly do I access my manifest? Thanks for the help in advance...

 

Just start the recovery process. You don't need to specifically seek out the manifest or anything. Just start a new factory recovery. It will do your customized install.

 

Does using base software administrator basically just uninstall the unwanted software from your computer?

 

No. .

 

Would I still be able to use the Thinkvantage Software recovery if the OS partition was reformatted?

 

You can reinstall the Thinkvantage software. Check out the software guide in Playmaker's signature.

 

I should have been more clear. What I meant was if the recovery partition could still be used if the main one was reformatted.

 

Yes as long as you reinstall ThinkVantage Rescue & Recovery.

 

Another probably foolish question: all I seem to have are the Vista "Operating System Recovery Disc" and the "Start Recovery Disc" -- booting from either of these seems to just take me to Vista - am I missing something? Perhaps I am better-suited for Option A

 

Well, here is what is happening now for those interested in the play-by-play: I popped in the "Start Recovery Disc" and it seemed to launch the base administrator, which later asked me for any "Operating System recovery disc" -- so I popped that in. It seems to be doing something that will hopefully have the desired effect of recovering the base OS (Vista).

The next listed steps are "Applications and Drivers Recovery Disc" and "Supplemental Recovery Disc" -- which I assume I will be asked to drop in the CD-ROM as soon as it's done with the O/S Recovery...

Thoughts?

Update: As expected, using the startup recovery disks installed EVERYTHING - bloatware and all - into the machine. It is back to a "factory settings" installation.

That being said, does anyone have any idea as to how to do a clean install with just the recovery discs? Thanks

 

Who gave you the idea that you could do a clean install with the recovery disks? You can't. Base Software Administrator is not on the recovery disks; it has nothing to do with them. The recovery disks will always restore your computer to complete factory settings, all crapware included. BSA is a program that edits the recovery partition settings of your computer to allow you to select what you want to install when you do a recovery from the Rescue & Recovery boot environment. Just follow the directions for Option A.

 

Is it better to delete the recovery partition before or after a clean install? Thanks

 

Actually, I AM the one who wrote it.

 

It depends on which option you choose. If you choose option A, then delete after. If you choose any other option, it really doesn't matter. Either way, don't delete before you make the recovery disks.

He knows now, and he took it out so he's not leeching off of your work.

 

Thank you!

 

Does the Option A in the original post

1. Download and install ThinkVantage Base Software Administrator.
..............

apply to XP pro as well? I have XP pro that crashes or makes the computer nonresponding and need to do a clean install as suggested by some people here.

 

Yes it does.

 

Playmaker...or anyone,

I purchased a m55 desktop and t61 at the same time. Both came with Vista Business. I ran keyfinder on the t61, but not he m55. I followed the option B instructions on both running diskpart, formatting, and installing Vista. I used the same product key for both.

The problem is the slmgr -ato returns an error on the m55. The t61 worked just fine. For both, the oemcert installed fine. Would lenovo use a different key for the m55? IF so, would this be the cause that MS would let me activate it?