Do I need to buy Windows?

[kidpaprika]

I bought a second-user T43 with Windows XP installed. The license sticker is on the bottom of the machine.

I'd like to make a fresh start on the machine by reinstalling Windows. However, it didn't come with any Windows CDs or anything.

Do I need to buy Windows, or can I get a copy free from IBM or somewhere else as I have the license sticker?

Thanks in advance for help

[GomJabbar]

Assuming that your Predesktop Partition has not been damaged, you can restore the factory software by entering the Rescue and Recovery workspace. At the beginning of the boot sequence, press the Access IBM button about once per second until you see the Rescue and Recovery loading screen.

You can also use the Product Recovery Disc set if one has not been made. Most likely this is located in: Start > All Programs > ThinkVantage > Create Recovery Media. You can also buy this set from Lenovo for about $50 US.

You can follow the method on the Windows OS forum for making a bootable Windows CD. You will need to use Magic Jelly Bean to find out the Windows Product Key. The key on the sticker on the bottom of the ThinkPad is basically useless from what I have read.

[Rory]

Does this help?
http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?t=3827

[lithium726]

You can follow the method on the Windows OS forum for making a bootable Windows CD. You will need to use Magic Jelly Bean to find out the Windows Product Key. The key on the sticker on the bottom of the ThinkPad is basically useless from what I have read.

Yup, the windows on thinkpads are VLK and the Keys on the bottom are OEM licences.

[TriBruin]

You can follow the method on the Windows OS forum for making a bootable Windows CD. You will need to use Magic Jelly Bean to find out the Windows Product Key. The key on the sticker on the bottom of the ThinkPad is basically useless from what I have read.

Yup, the windows on thinkpads are VLK and the Keys on the bottom are OEM licences.

I pretty sure you are wrong. Microsoft would not allow Lenovo to install the VL version of Windows. All OEMs are supposed to install an OEM version of Windows. Most major vendors use a BIOS locked customer OEM version of windows. This will prevent you from taking a Lenovo copy of Windows and install it on a Dell.

If you try to Clone a copy of the O/S to another unit, even the exact same configuration, you will be forced to re-activate Windows. This would not be the case with the VL copy.