Thinkpad T40 2373: install windows XP on a blank drive

[shpzh2000]

I put a blank drive to a T40, and installed XP on it by booting from the CD-ROM. I thought the installation went well. However, when the Windows started,

1. I could not get online using either the LAN or the Wireless. It seems that none of the network adapters are installed.

2. the Thinkpad buttons did not work.

3. The Stand By option was not available when I tried to shut down the system.

I am wondering whether there is an installation guide somewhere.

Any help you can offer is highly appreciated.

Thanks.

[ThinkPad]

Download the System Update and let it do its magic.

It will download all the necessary drivers and applications.

[ThinkPad]

Before you get online on your T40 you may have to install the Ethernet driver first.

[shpzh2000]

I downloaded the System Update. However, the installation wizard could not finish, and it kept asking me to restart the Installation Wizard.

Also, I copied the Ethernet driver, but the system would not recognize it. When I opened the Device Manager, I could not see the Network Adaptor list, rather I saw some Other Devices, including

Ethernet controller
Ethernet controller
Audio controller.

not sure whether these things are related.

[rbena]

Two options for installing XP, drivers & apps on the T40 would be:
- manually, or
- using a Product Recovery disc set.

The advantage of the Product Recovery set is that it generally avoids configuration issues, installs the hidden partition, and only requires updates for specific drivers. The discs are available from a number of sources, including the Marketplace on this forum, ebay, and also from Lenovo. You can also reset the T40 to its factory state when you wish to sell the unit.

[Brad]

One of the listed ethernet controllers is for your wired network card. I would double click one and then go to the driver tab. There you should see a button that says update driver. At the wizard click NO because you are not connected to the internet. Then click next. At the next screen click install from a specific location. Click next again. At the next screen click search for the best driver in these locations. Check the include this location in the search and have a path to your downloaded driver and click next. The driver for the ethernet controller should install. Once installed you can go online and hopefully run system update.

Brad

[shpzh2000]

Thanks for all the replies so far, which have been very helpful.

I managed to get the Ethernet and the Wireless adapters to work. However, the System Update still would not continue.

[visionviper]

You can always just download the individual installers for drivers if system update is giving you problems. You can find them here.

[shpzh2000]

Everything has been fixed.

It turns out the problem is that I need to install an updated version of Microsoft .Net, in order for the System Update to work.

Thanks for all the help.