Thinkpads Forum

Looking for a XP Pro OEM CD that will work in a T41. I have the sticker license key on the bottom of the laptop.

I cannot pay much (I'm seeing $100 on ebay).

Would be shipping to Canada.

If you have a copy you're not using or interested in selling, reply here or pm.

Thanks.

If you have XP Pro COA, you really should post here asking for XP Pro recovery CDs. (much cheaper) T40 or T41 will work fine. Can you burn CDs from either .iso or .nrg (Nero's version of .iso)? If so, send me a pm

How do the Recovery discs work? Isn't there a large collection of discs to only get the computer back to factory condition?

Well, if it is cheaper, then okay, I am tired of wondering what to do if my XP gets 'corrupted.'

If you don't mind a Dell CD, I've got a bunch. Works just fine installing on a Thinkpad - I do it all the time.

xene wrote:If you don't mind a Dell CD, I've got a bunch. Works just fine installing on a Thinkpad - I do it all the time.

I have Dell OEM XP Sp1 & sp2 CDs. I recently downloaded a Dell OEM XP SP3 from torrent.

Are you saying Dell OEM can be installed / activated on TP

I don't think Dell or this sites owner would appreciate discussion on how to use Dell CD's outside of their terms of use. So please stop this discussion. As Richk alluded to, the only recognized method for using the COA on the bottom of the Thinkpad is to install Lenovo's recovery images. Whatever else 'works' is irrelevant to the terms of the license.

Harryc wrote:...the only recognized method for using the COA on the bottom of the Thinkpad is to install Lenovo's recovery images.

I understand that it wouldn't be proper to use a Dell or other system proprietor OEM disk, Harry, but please comment on the belief widely held by many posters on multiple threads at this site, that using a generic/system builder OEM disk in conjunction with the COA is a legitimate way to install Windows on a ThinkPad, as long as it is the same version as was originally supplied. Before I posted, I did a search and many respected members here (well, respected by me, anyway ), including Mr. Bolton, have stated this belief. It seems to satisfy Microsoft. Does it not satisfy IBM/Lenovo? OP, please forgive the thread hijack.

My understanding is that if a manufacturers name is listed on the COA (as it is on Thnkpads) it is an OEM license. So it would make sense that you could install an OEM version of the same OS as listed on the COA and use that same key. Using a Dell CD though is definitely not legal per Dells license terms.