Thinkpad Clean Install?

Can any post some links on how to do a clean install with a Thinkpad? I remember there use to be a "Clean Install Guide" on this forum, specifically for Thinkpads.

I just found this link Lenovo Support - Windows 7 Clean Installation - ThinkPad

Does ThinkVantage System Update 4.0 contain all the drivers and applications?

What Lenovo applications/software should I install?

 

I don't know about the links but I could help guide you to the right direction...

- First make a backup of your files and the original Operating System using Lenovo Rescue & Recovery, just in case things go a bit wrong. You need some spare blank DVD discs for this procedure.

[OEM - Manufacturer Install]
- If your system already came with Windows 7 (OEM), use a program called ABR (Activation Backup & Restore) so you don't need to phone for activation all the time with your serial key. Use the BETA version of the software with Windows 7 support. You maybe lucky that you don't need this in the end but it's always best to come prepared.

[Retail/OEM Self Purchase]
- Skip the next step, but follow on to the Support Page section - You just need your serial key ready.

- For people with an [OEM - Manufacturer Install] you may need a copy of the original Windows 7 disc so visit the "LEGAL Windows 7 Download Links (Just like Vista before!!!)" thread to download your copy. The easiest would be the ISO format, then using a CD/DVD burning software to burn the image on to the DVD disc. If you don't have one, use Imgburn which is free.

- Access Lenovo's support page and find the drivers section for your particular model. Download the Wireless Driver (or Ethernet if you use that for the internet), graphics driver and the Thinkvantage System Update and store them on your USB stick to save time.

[For models requiring Intel Matrix Storage Driver]
- If your ThinkPad require the Intel Matrix Storage Driver, use the Intel Rapid Storage Technology driver instead which supersedes it. Use the 32 bit (x86) version for 32 bit version of Win7 or likewise for the 64 bit (x64) version. Again, create a folder (call it Intel RST), extract the contents and store these drivers on a USB stick.

- Reboot the ThinkPad with the Windows 7 disc inside the system. Depending on configurations, during the ThinkPad splash logo keep tapping F1 to access the BIOS. Check the SATA is in AHCI mode and not Compatibility (especially if you have a SSD), also since you're in the BIOS check the Boot section to see if the DVD/CD-ROM drive is in the list, otherwise scroll down to it and press 'x' to include in the list. Then press F10 and choose 'Yes' to save the configuration.

- On restart press F12 to access the list of boot devices. Select the DVD/CD-ROM drive to proceed to the installation.

- Follow the instructions and select the version of Windows 7 you have. Since we're doing a Clean Install choose 'Custom' instead of 'Upgrade' which gives you the option to wipe out everything existing on the drive to make a clean slate.

- On the screen where you see which disk partition you want to install Windows, select the hard drive or partition that you want to install Windows 7 on and then click on the 'Drive Options (Advanced)' underneath to reveal even more options. You can then 'Format' the disk, do so which should take a couple of seconds.

[For models requiring Intel Matrix Storage Driver]
- Once formatted, select 'Load Drivers' and browse for the Intel RST folder you created earlier on the USB stick. Windows will automatically find the suitable driver and load these drivers. Once the process is done it will return you back to the Drive Partition screen.

- If you want to create another partition, then on the list of options click on 'New' and state how big you want your operating system drive to be. Windows does this in Megabytes (MB) instead of Gigabytes (GB) so to calculate this, say you want a 60GB OS drive so the formula is 60GB*1024 = 61440 MB. Calculate the OS space to your preference and then click 'Next' to proceed with the install.

- The install will take around on average 45 mins from a DVD-ROM drive (varies on system spec). So maybe have a hot drink and some snacks to let the time go by.

- Once done you will then be prompted to enter your computer username and password (optional). Enter these then you will be asked for your serial key, enter the key then proceed.

- Adjust the Windows Update settings, Regional Time Zones followed by the Network settings (if network driver is recognised). Then click next to finalise the installation.

- You reached the desktop stage, with your USB stick install the graphics drivers, network drivers and the Lenovo ThinkVantage System Update. You may be required to reboot on these occasions.

[OEM - Manufacturer Install]
- Reload the ABR and manually activate the system if Windows can't automatically activate the OEM key.

- Install the rest of the drivers using Lenovo System Update and make sure to update Windows Update as well. From there on you're free to install your own software on top afterwards such as Antivirus, Office apps etc.

Fin.

[Advanced Extras]

- Go to the Start Orb and type in 'MSConfig'. Go to the 'Boot' tab, Advanced Options, under Number of Processors choose the highest number available and click OK. Check the "Make all boot settings permanant" box and click OK. A windows will prompt whether you want to reboot from these changes but its not mandatory at this stage.

- You can use MSConfig to control the startup applications to reduce boot time. I can't list all of them as they vary from different setups but generally non-essential items such as for example Adobe software, Apple (iTunes, QuickTime) are generally safe to be removed from the startup list.

- If you want the Start Taskbar to be like Vista's, right click on the Task Bar and choose 'Properties'. Then tick the 'Use Small Icons' box and select OK and the chunky taskbar becomes (well in my eyes) more aesthetically pleasing in slimmer form.

- If you created at least 2 partitions it makes sense to move the Music/Pictures/Docs folder to the largest partition. This way should the OS go awry you don't need to wipe out these folders on a reformat. Simply create a new folder in the second partiton, then on the Start Orb click on your Username on the top. Then right click on the Music/Pictures/Docs folder and choose 'Properties'. On the 'Location' tab, click on 'Move' and locate the relevant folder on the second partiton and click on OK. From now on Windows (and certain programs) will refer these folders on the second partition.

- If you're confident enough, you can trim the number of services/processes running using BlackViper's Windows 7 Service Pack 1 Service Configurations. Generally the "Safe" list is good enough but a bit of common sense will be involved if you require certain services (such as Bluetooth, if you use this then don't turn this off!). If you're unsure what the services mean then you can click on the names to view a more general description on what it does. But if you're really not confident on this then you can leave this out to be on the safe side.