Thinkpads Forum

System specs for those so inclined (as currently provided are at the end):


1) Will vista ultimate come with the 32 or 64 bit version installed. If the former, I presume I will need to get the "vista anytime upgrade" cd from some online source.

2) What backups should I create before I do anything? (Breif how-to appreciated)

3) Should I do a clean install, or try one of the factory restore apps to reinstall sans bloatware? Something like this (Base software adminstrator)
(http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... 66966#TBSA)

4) Are there any drivers, whether from microsoft or lenovo that I need to avoid installing?

5) What is the deal with all of the "Thinkvantage" and special "ibm backup" considerations.

6) Memtest new ram (from datamemorysystems, will report back on its' thread)

7) Nod32


Thanks for your time.



















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Chicony/tmd

I'll go take a look at it.

Nobody seems to be interested, but I thought I'd follow up a bit since I said I would.

It came with 32-bit vista installed, so I guess I need to go check the guides on clean installing.

The sceen (TMD 14.1 SXGA) isn't the best screen (by far) but it's very passable by general consumer standards (looks fine). I wasn't dissapointed with it.

The chicony keyboard I wasn't impressed with in the least. While it isn't any worse than keyboards on other laptops, I didn't feel that it was much, if any better. Pretty dissapointing after the somewhat cultish "legendary" keyboard standards.

The ram from datamemorysystems was shipped the same day (as stated) and passed 5hrs of memtest+ without incident so I'm very happy with that. (The primary reason why I went with them is because according to an e-mail on a different post they will "advance replace" faulty sticks). The base 1gb 1dimm was a Hynix if anybody is keeping track of that.

Goal for tomorrow morning is full backup/reinstall with IBM utility while I wait for/evaluate the need for a clean 64 bit install.

I'm still not really sure about the whole "IBM/thinkvantage" partition/button/programs/features. Apparently if you use Stallen's guide you can't use the thinkvantage button pre-boot, but assuming that you have the backup cds/hdd I don't see why it would be an issue. If anybody could clarify/explain this I would much appreciate it.

Make a set of recovery discs before proceeding with any "clean install" attempts. Type recovery into the search bar in the start menu.

Once you have completed your backup/reinstall, and also after you have loaded and configured any other personal software, I recommend you consider creating an image of your C partition. In the event of future problems, viruses, or simply a 6 month to 1 year 'cleanout' to return your system to full speed, you will save 2 hours or more by restoring with this image vs doing a factory reinstall and then reconfiguring manually.

It's best to first search this forum for the most reliable imaging software for your particular model and OS. Then save your image onto DVD or external hard drive, and create a new image periodically as you update your system.

The option also exists for cloning your entire primary hard drive including data. I find instead that 'copying' data in its original form directly to DVD or external hard drive is useful. This makes your data immediately available/readable on any computer, should your primary computer have hardware issues and need to be repaired.