Problems with update and ThinkVantage

Hi again!
I got my R400 with XP preloaded, however it was eligible for Win7 Pro upgrade so i upgraded.
First time I installed torrent version, then I found out that there is legal copy available for download so I downloaded it and reinstalled.
After that I did all updates, both Windows and Lenovo, weird problems started to occur, Windows would not start and repair would have to be done, after that I re-installed Win7 again with all updates, removed unnecessary Lenovo tools and reinstalled the neccessary ones, did all updates and when i did last restart it froze on Win7 load logo AGAIN and wouldnt go any further, now Im on my n-th repair.
This is getting frustrating. Now, I understand that there might be user error.
However, one thing that bothers me is that during computer startup pressing ThinkVantage button doesnt open ThinkVantage menu anymore, just simple DOS prompt for either loading BIOS or continuing with boot device list to choose from.
What went wrong considering lack of ThinkVantage menu during startup?

I did however make 3 dvd backup image when I ran laptop for first time with XP. Should those CD's be used to restore EVERYTHING to the factory state?
If so, can I then install Win7 again and fear not of being unable to load ThinkVantage menu during startup?

 

thinkvantage button would only work at the startup if you have the recovery partition. You use aftermarket Win 7, so you won't have the recovery partition, which is why the button doesn't work during the initial startup.

Yes those Win XP recovery media you made will return everything to the factory state.

 

Meh, is there any way I can upgrade from XP without losing TV startup?
Or is there a way to add to Win7?
Oh and I didnt touch recovery partition during installation.

 

Unless you install the win 7 with the lenovo win 7 recovery media, there is other way of doing it.

 

You mean no other way doing it?
Ok, I can live with that, for now.
I guess I should contact Lenovo and see if I can get Win7 media.
I suspect that update problems I encountered were duo to me ignoring reboots and just updating and removing without restarting when windows asks to do so, probably created a mess when everything rebooted and tried to install at once Tho i see some failed Windows updates as well, for some unknown reason.
And there I was, thinking that one can ignore restarts once in a while.

 

Another question - now I dont see which level of brightness I am using when adjusting screen brightness.
Volume level is displayed however.
What am I missing?

 

I think you need the On Screen Display module that comes with Hotkey Features Integration package.

 

Thanks, I already installed Hotkey Integration feature from Lenovo, i checked Drivers/Win/Hotkey folder and there isnt anything about screen brightness.
I guess Ill just download all TP updates with update utility and hope it all runs well without previous problems
Ill keep you informed, in case someone finds this thread useful in future.

 

You need Lenovo's version of the Graphics drivers for the OSD to work. The generic drivers (either from the graphics vendor directly or from Windows Update) don't usually have the OEM integration to make the hotkeys display function correctly.

 

So, let me ask something I'm not so familiar with, which is relevant to this post. My X201 also came with XP downgrade. I plan to use it as such for a while (or more).

Anyway, what's the process for upgrading to 7? I guess, I will need Lenovo's 7 disk (as opposed to retail), right? Which I have to order directly from Lenovo... or is there a download available for this upgrade?

My main question and concern, though, is this: since all XP downgrades are downgrades from Win 7 Pro 32 bit, will Lenovo only provide that disk or can I choose to go with Win 7 Pro 64 bit? (even though the latter will require full wipe out as opposed to the typical "upgrade" process, I presume)

 

In my previous post:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/lenovo-ibm/524396-new-thinkpad-owner-where-start.html

Download legal Win7 iso, burn it to DVD/create bootable USB, run installation, enter key, thats it, in short
I had XP 32-bit, downloaded Win7 64-bit and it accepted my key without problems.

I will see how stable and flawless will this home-backed installation of Win7 be and decide whether to keep it or contact Lenovo to get Win7 DVD's from them.

Point being, if you can get Win7 DVD's from Lenovo then get, should save you lots of time installing drivers and updates and give you extra peace of mind knowing that its loaded from Lenovo for your ThinkPad

 

Thanks. Yes, I am ok with the clean install from a retail disk. I was just wondering whether Lenovo offers Win 7 64 bit for the upgrade, as opposed to Win 7 32 bit only. You are right: I was thinking drivers and utilities and such.