T41, Things I should know before doing a fresh OS install.?

[vtohthree]

Hello everyone, I've just acquired a T41 and I'd like to do a fresh clean install of Windows XP pro with sp2, ie7, framework .net 2.0, etc. I also want to safely update all my thinkpad software/ultilities and drivers. In short, I'm trying to set up my old machine to the newest/latest/greatest: thinkpad/access ibm software partition, drivers, bios, and of course doing a clean install of xp pro. [edit], note: I do not have the recovery disks

I'm sure these questions have asked before but I didn't not find concise answers using the search function, maybe after everything is compiled from this thread we can make a sticky since I'm sure many might ask similar questions when new comers start using a thinkpad.

First, is it safe to use a Win XP CD to reformat?
concerns:

*will it also delete the "access IBM" software included, which includes the drivers and "resource cd"?

Second, is there a way to download all the latest specific drivers and IBM utilities/updates?
concerns:

*when should I do this, before or after trying to reinstall win xp, or does it even matter?

Third, I noticed that Norton Antivirus(2003 ed, in my case) is preinstalled and used by default, can I delete, disable this?
concerns:

*the Norton antivirus included is not that great and I'd like to use my norton antivirus corporate edition as default and not have the 2003 edition installed, could I somehow make my corporate edition become the default antivirus through the "access IBM" button?



Thanks, and apologies in advance since I didn't see it directly through the search function, I wouldn't mind if someone linked to an old thread too, since I would imagine that similar questions have been asked before, so again, sorry, I'll continue using the search as well.

[carbon_unit]

Hello everyone, I've just acquired a T41 and I'd like to do a fresh clean install of Windows XP pro with sp2, ie7, framework .net 2.0, etc. I also want to safely update all my thinkpad software/ultilities and drivers. In short, I'm trying to set up my old machine to the newest/latest/greatest: thinkpad/access ibm software partition, bios, and of course doing a clean install of xp pro.

I'm sure these questions have asked before but I didn't not find concise answers using the search function, maybe after everything is compiled from this thread we can make a sticky since I'm sure many might ask similar questions when new comers start using a thinkpad.

First, is it safe to use a Win XP CD to reformat?
concerns:

*will it also delete the "access IBM" software included, which includes the drivers and "resource cd"?

Yes, it will delete them.

Second, is there a way to download all the latest specific drivers and IBM utilities/updates?
concerns:

*when should I do this, before or after trying to reinstall win xp, or does it even matter?

You can install Software Installer after doing a clean install and it will install all the latest drivers for you.

Third, I noticed that Norton Antivirus(2003 ed, in my case) is preinstalled and used by default, can I delete, disable this?
concerns:

*the Norton antivirus included is not that great and I'd like to use my norton antivirus corporate edition as default and not have the 2003 edition installed, could I somehow make my corporate edition become the default antivirus through the "access IBM" button?

You cannot alter the preload image on T41 but you can uninstall NAV2003 and install your corporate after you have windows running.

Thanks, and apologies in advance since I didn't see it directly through the search function, I wouldn't mind if someone linked to an old thread too, since I would imagine that similar questions have been asked before, so again, sorry, I'll continue using the search as well.

Good luck to you.

[chan_man]

Probably the least painful way to redo a Thinkpad is to get the set of recovery disks for your model. By doing this, you will get the machine back to the way it was delivered. It will sense the types of optical drives you have and will load appropriate software for it, ie: if you have a CD burner and DVD combo, it will load Sonic Record now along with Intervideo DVD player. Likewise with the hardware you have installed, it will install the video drivers depending on what hardware you have. The recovery process will run roughly 30 to 40 minutes long.

After you run the recovery disks, you can then run software installer to update all the drivers.

If you do not have a copy of the recovery disks, you can call IBM to purchase a set (about 45.00) or check the marketplace to see if there are any available.

[vtohthree]

Hello everyone, I've just acquired a T41 and I'd like to do a fresh clean install of Windows XP pro with sp2, ie7, framework .net 2.0, etc. I also want to safely update all my thinkpad software/ultilities and drivers. In short, I'm trying to set up my old machine to the newest/latest/greatest: thinkpad/access ibm software partition, bios, and of course doing a clean install of xp pro.

I'm sure these questions have asked before but I didn't not find concise answers using the search function, maybe after everything is compiled from this thread we can make a sticky since I'm sure many might ask similar questions when new comers start using a thinkpad.

First, is it safe to use a Win XP CD to reformat?
concerns:

*will it also delete the "access IBM" software included, which includes the drivers and "resource cd"?

Yes, it will delete them.

Second, is there a way to download all the latest specific drivers and IBM utilities/updates?
concerns:

*when should I do this, before or after trying to reinstall win xp, or does it even matter?

You can install Software Installer after doing a clean install and it will install all the latest drivers for you.

Third, I noticed that Norton Antivirus(2003 ed, in my case) is preinstalled and used by default, can I delete, disable this?
concerns:

*the Norton antivirus included is not that great and I'd like to use my norton antivirus corporate edition as default and not have the 2003 edition installed, could I somehow make my corporate edition become the default antivirus through the "access IBM" button?

You cannot alter the preload image on T41 but you can uninstall NAV2003 and install your corporate after you have windows running.

Thanks, and apologies in advance since I didn't see it directly through the search function, I wouldn't mind if someone linked to an old thread too, since I would imagine that similar questions have been asked before, so again, sorry, I'll continue using the search as well.

Good luck to you.

Thank you so much! Answers a lot, I've been browsing through Lenovo's product support and using the tour from the thinkvantage/access ibm function. Now I know:

1.) reinstall windows
2.)then software installer

Probably the least painful way to redo a Thinkpad is to get the set of recovery disks for your model. By doing this, you will get the machine back to the way it was delivered. It will sense the types of optical drives you have and will load appropriate software for it, ie: if you have a CD burner and DVD combo, it will load Sonic Record now along with Intervideo DVD player. Likewise with the hardware you have installed, it will install the video drivers depending on what hardware you have. The recovery process will run roughly 30 to 40 minutes long.

After you run the recovery disks, you can then run software installer to update all the drivers.

If you do not have a copy of the recovery disks, you can call IBM to purchase a set (about 45.00) or check the marketplace to see if there are any available.

Thanks for the input, I do not have the recovery disks, unfortunately. Should I make a recovery disk before sweeping out my machine? Or is it available to download for free if I put in my S/N etc.? I don't know if I will bother buying them for $45, but yeah I just want the originial disk functions/buttons and drivers to work on my machine, as far as everything else 3rd party: burning software, antivirus, etc. I really don't need it.

[/list]

[carbon_unit]

You should make a set of recovery discs before doing anything else. If you are not able to make a recovery set, try to restore your machine back to factory condition by pressing the blue button when booting. Then you will be able to create a recovery set. This will be very handy if you somehow disturb the recovery partition.

[vtohthree]

You should make a set of recovery discs before doing anything else. If you are not able to make a recovery set, try to restore your machine back to factory condition by pressing the blue button when booting. Then you will be able to create a recovery set. This will be very handy if you somehow disturb the recovery partition.

Ok, I attempted this, I hit the blue button as soon as it booted up and then i have two choices:

"restore your backups"

and

"recover to factory contents"


I'm assuming it's the second one, in fact I clicked on it, and it pulled up something about windows 98, I was surprised, former owner must've loaded it on there at some point. Anyways, I'm going to try this I suppose.

[The Spirit of X21]

To the best of my knowledge, the T41 does not have software that will allow you to create recovery discs. I have T40 recovery discs if you want to try those - they are close enough to the T41 that they should work.

[Temetka]

Say what now?

Of course the T41 can create recovery discs. I have burned them from my t41 just fine.

All he needs to do is download the rescue and recovery software from IBM. Then assuming his hidden partition is fully intact he will be able to create a set. This is what I did. Worked great.

[vtohthree]

Say what now?

Of course the T41 can create recovery discs. I have burned them from my t41 just fine.

All he needs to do is download the rescue and recovery software from IBM. Then assuming his hidden partition is fully intact he will be able to create a set. This is what I did. Worked great.

"rescue and recovery software"?

version 4.1 available.

http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... Q2QAK.html

downloading now.

edit: nevermind I need version 2.0 first...getting to it.

[vtohthree]

Say what now?

Of course the T41 can create recovery discs. I have burned them from my t41 just fine.

All he needs to do is download the rescue and recovery software from IBM. Then assuming his hidden partition is fully intact he will be able to create a set. This is what I did. Worked great.

"rescue and recovery software"?

version 4.1 available.

http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... Q2QAK.html

downloading now.

edit: nevermind I need version 2.0 first...getting to it.

edit: well I have it now and I'm going around in circles trying to make a backup/recovery cd, when installing the program it keep saying that it will use a partition in my hdd, but I'd like to put it on cd.

Arg, so wait a minute, here's the question that I'm not clear on. If I install XP pro by reformatting everything, and end up losing it all, how would I reinstall the recovery and such functions of my "Access IBM" button?

[The Spirit of X21]

Hmm, I've never tried the downloadable Rescue and Recovery software before. I was referring to a piece of software within Access IBM called "Create Recovery Discs", which I thought IBM included starting with the T42. Definitely use the Recovery software recommended by Temetka, but still, because this software must be downloaded from Lenovo, the T41 cannot make such CDs itself using a default installation.

[vtohthree]

Hmm, I've never tried the downloadable Rescue and Recovery software before. I was referring to a piece of software within Access IBM called "Create Recovery Discs", which I thought IBM included starting with the T42. Definitely use the Recovery software recommended by Temetka, but still, because this software must be downloaded from Lenovo, the T41 cannot make such CDs itself using a default installation.

There is no, "create recovery discs" option that I can see on my T41 when I browse through my access ibm functions. I was just about to reinstall win xp right now, through dos, but I haulted.


I see there are two partitions:

C:partition1 (IBM_PRELOAD) [NTFS] 53660 MB
D:Partition2 (IBM_PRELOAD) [FAT32] 310MB


I was about to delete/write over my C: partition, but I'll fool around with the recovery thing a bit more before I go all out.

The only option I seem to have is "IBM Rapid Restore Ultra"
and again that is going to make a backup on to my hard drive as it explains, maybe after that I can make a cd?

[vtohthree]

update:

Well, I did it, I used the Rapid Restore Ultra and it ate up like 6 Gigs, then after a few attempts I was able to burn my backup image to 8 CD's, does that seem to be what I'm looking for?


Reguardless I ended up restoring the system even though it wasn't my intent, I thought that installing my latest version of XP pro would be too much of hassel since i don't know what I'm doing on this thinkpad.

So back to the 4+ years old XP with sp1 and a whole mess of registry and updates I gotta do. I wanted to have a smooth fresh install of a more pre-updated XP and just use the COA that came with the thinkpad.
---------------------------------


Someone in another thread suggested that I use the XP CD to reformat and delete the partitions, then I just make two new clean partitions myself but before the formatting to save these folders: IBMTOOLS and SWTOOLS. Reload them and install what I need from IBM.

My question now is, what is RnR? Restore and Rescue? Repair and Rescue? How do I obtain it?

[chan_man]

Here is a set of recovery disks for sale for $25.00
http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?t=47331