Using the Base Software Administrator

Can anyone help me figure out how to use the ThinkVantage Base Software Administrator (BSA) program? I am trying to use "Option A" of johnny_1987's excellent "Clean Windows Install Guide for ThinkPads" ( http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=144349) but do not know how to use the BSA now that it's installed on my computer. (Please forgive my lack of technical savvy!) Can you lead me through it step-by-step, please?

 

I don't want to detract from your post. I you really want to use BSA. Maybe someone will assist you. You should know that Johnny_1987's "Official" Clean install guide is not "Official". It is his opinion on the best way to do it. There are many opinions of how to do a clean install.

You should know that there are other options I thought I would share this with you. This is how you can do a clean install while avoiding all thirdparty software. I even consider the Thinkvantage utilities to be thirdparty. Really any application/utility that isn't part of the OS (Windows XP or Vista) is considered "thirdparty". Considering there has been quite a few problems with the new T61's it is reasonable to at least suspect that there could be an issue with one or more of the Thinkvantage utilities on this new T61 (Santa Rosa) platform.

Any here is another alternative of how to do a clean install (without any thirdparty software)...

This is the best clean install guide with an authorization back-up utility (don't have to call for activation) and proven to work with Thinkpads:
Orev's Clean Install Guide

That guide should be followed up by installing the Chipset Driver first from intel.com
Click here for: Chipset Driver

Then all of the other necessary drivers from Lenovo:
Download Drivers: Lenovo Support & Drivers
Use can also find all of the drivers on one page by clicking here and selecting your Thinkpad model: CLICK HERE FOR DRIVER MATRIX

I would suggest installing these drivers only and installing them in this order with a REBOOT after every driver installation even if it is not required.

Turbo Memory Driver (If you have turbo memory, this driver includes both Turbo Memory and Matrix Storage manager drivers)
Matrix storage manager driver (This is for those that do not have Turbo Memory and/or did not install the Turbo Memory Driver)
Video Driver
Audio driver
Wifi driver
Bluetooth driver
UltrNav DRIVER
UltraNav UTILITY
hotkey driver
system interface
integrated card reader (for 15.4” models with integrated)
Power Management
Finger Print

I think that’s about it. There might be some registry patches that you should look at on the very bottom of the link I provided. Click Here for Driver Matrix

Good Luck!

 

Yep, this is what I pretty much did for my clean install and it works perfect.

 

If you have any other suggestions, I'd be interest in hearing them. I think I covered everything (drivers/utilities etc.), but if I missed something or you know a better method (other than using the base administrator software) please let me know.

Did you look at those registry patches on the bottom of the driver matrix page? Did you install any of them?

 

I used System Update to find me the latest updates and the registry patches showed up and I did install them.

 

I say the guide is official because it is official in the sense that it is linked to the FAQ and it is (supposed to be) inclusive of all the ideas we have about making clean installs. Hence, multiple options are listed, one exactly the same as yours and the other from the Base Software Administrator.

That guide as an open thread so that anyone who has suggestions or concerns can voice them and improve that guide. I'm not trying to give myself credit or attention by making the FAQ and the guide. If you have anything that you want to add to that guide, please do so, and you certainly will be credited.