Vista 64 Installation CD?

Hi - I'm trying to do a clean install on my 1yr old ThinkPad - system is out of warranty (as of about 2 days ago) and when I called Lenovo they said an installation disk would cost something like $50 + shipping.

I've searched pretty extensively on Google to no avail - is there another way to get a copy of this disk for free or at least at a reasonable price like <$15?

I have a product key - I just need the installation disk or an ISO image to make one.

Thanks.

 

get one from a friend and use it...............

 

If you still have the factory recovery partition, that will be the easiest way to restore the OS. Just hold down the blue ThinkVantage button at startup and you should be on your way.

If not, most Thinkpads have a hidden folder called C:\WAUUPGRD whose contents are identical to the Windows Install Disk. You can find information on how to burn this folder to create an installation CD here.

 

Unfortunately I'm running Vista Ultimate right now - which I just read doesn't include the WAU folder.

Deleted the hidden partition in anticipation of doing a clean install before I realized this: http://neosmart.net/blog/2008/windows-vista-recovery-disc-download/ link wasn't a true installation disk.

All of my friends were smart enough to eschew Vista.

Also tried to make a recovery disk with only Vista on it through "Create Recovery Media" however it gives me an error saying files are missing when I start the process.

Feeling like I'm SOL. Been talking to someone on Craigslist who is selling the ISO image - don't know if that's even legal but at this point I guess it's my best alternative.

 

I'd recommend just ponying up the 50 bones and get the lenovo copy

 

You are looking for this:
http://www.mydigitallife.info/2007/05/08/windows-vista-free-direct-download-link/

which is found in Stallen's clean install guide
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=144783

 

A long time since those download links stopped working.

 

You can't use the contents of the hidden partition to do a clean install.. You can use a OEM Vista disc, Retail or Any time upgrade disc. Try looking for the anytime upgrade disc. If you can find them, you can get them for as low as $10. Unfortunately Microsoft doesn't make them anymore so you must buy from a person. And to make matters more complicated finding some one that sells a 64 bit anytime disc is even harder. But, I know of a person you can buy one from. Hopefully they are still selling them.

I will try to remember to PM you with the details tonight, but if I should forget PM me and remind me and I will send you the details. With that disc the clean install works great. I did it this way and it is perfect.

 

i'm pretty sure you can get oem discs online if you know where to look..... -_-' (fyi i'm not implying anything...though you may infer)