2003 Server on X61?

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mfbernstein · #1 Post by **mfbernstein** » Thu Dec 13, 2007 10:26 am

Just saw the latest thread on ThinkPads/4GB. Apparently Windows 2003 Server supports the full 4GB on Santa Rosa chipset-based ThinkPads.

Has anybody tried this combination on their X61/T61 for any period of time? I'm mainly interested in whether the XP 32 drivers can be used (Atheros a/b/g for example), whether power management was equally effective, and whether there were any notable application level incompatibilities. I gather individual apps can only use 2GB at time though?

Thanks,

MFBernstein

#2 Post by **erik** » Thu Dec 13, 2007 10:35 am

i couldn't get my atheros a/b/g card to install under 2003. i tried seven different IBM/lenovo drivers to no avail. the intel cards (3945ABG and 4965AGN) are both supported. another issue on the T61p was the on-screen display did not work properly for the volume keys, even after trying a few different IBM/lenovo packages.

if i get time next week, i'll install 2003 on my X61 and report back with my findings. it has an intel 3945ABG card so i'm sure that most or almost everything will work.

either way, i can tell you right now that 2003 will address all 4GB on the X61 lineup.

mfbernstein · #3 Post by **mfbernstein** » Thu Dec 13, 2007 10:59 am

Thanks for the tip about the Atheros in Server 2003. I actually have the original Intel 3945 that came with the machine somewhere, but I much prefer the range on the Atheros.

I'm using a pretty minimal setup on my X61. The only ThinkPad specific stuff I have installed is the Lenovo Power Manager, Active Protection System and the Onscreen Display (which it took me ages to figure out was the software controlling fn+f5). So long as those, plus wireless and the standard drivers are there, I'll be set.

If you do in fact get around to installing Server 2003 on your Thinkpad again, please post how it goes! Best,

MFBernstein

pmeinl · #4 Post by **pmeinl** » Sun Dec 16, 2007 12:39 pm

Why not use XP x64 Prof? Same codebase as 2003 Server and cheaper.

BTW: Vista x64 with SP1 seems to be fine too. Granted I only have a few days experience with SP1 RC1, but up to now all problems I had with Vista before (especially slow and unreliable file copying) are gone.

sugo · #5 Post by **sugo** » Sun Dec 16, 2007 1:57 pm

Driver support for Windows XP x64 is no better than Server 2003. Also if I have choice I would rather not run 32 bit apps in WoW due to compability issues.

mfbernstein · #6 Post by **mfbernstein** » Mon Dec 17, 2007 9:53 pm

Well, I finally managed to finagle a copy of Server 2003 out from our IT folks. The install seems mostly functional. The bad news is that I've already hit a few incompatibilities:
1) ThinkPad Hotkey Utility - I need Onscreen Display for enabling/disabling Bluetooth and wireless. Complains that it needs XP SP2 or Vista. Ideas?
2) AT&T Communications Manager - same error. Need it to use my 3G phone tethered.

Ideas? Is there any way to lie to the installers about the OS version? Thanks.

tamasrepus · #7 Post by **tamasrepus** » Mon Dec 17, 2007 11:48 pm

mfbernstein wrote:lie to the installers about the OS version? Thanks.

Create a shortcut to the installer executable. In the properties of the shortcut (right click > Properties), there's a drop-down somewhere that lets you select an OS compatibility mode. You can select Windows 98, XP, etc.

This doesn't work for all apps--but for some at least. Can't hurt to try it.

mfbernstein · #8 Post by **mfbernstein** » Tue Dec 18, 2007 8:46 am

No luck, probably because they have installers embedded in installers, and the Lenovo installer does some weird stuff anyways. Annoying. Thanks for the tip though.

pmeinl · #9 Post by **pmeinl** » Tue Dec 18, 2007 11:26 am

Before I detectecd the 64bit XP Prof version I considered using 2003 Server for my desktop workstations.

- Virus scanners were very expensive (the workstation versions did not run on the server)
- To use ther server as a workstation one should not only change Processor Scheduling from Backround to Programs. The are many other settings to make using it as a workstation easier. One can event get restore points.
see: http://win2k3.msfn.org/

#10 Post by **erik** » Wed Dec 19, 2007 2:38 am

mfbernstein wrote:Is there any way to lie to the installers about the OS version? Thanks.

not for drivers.

try this hotkey driver and see if it installs:
http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... MIGR-68000

did you get your atheros card installed? if so, what driver did you use?

mfbernstein · #11 Post by **mfbernstein** » Fri Dec 21, 2007 8:52 am

erik wrote: try this hotkey driver and see if it installs:
http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... MIGR-68000

did you get your atheros card installed? if so, what driver did you use?

No luck with the Hotkey driver (that was the one which I tried earlier). I did get the Atheros card installed - using the standard Lenovo Atheros a/b/g drivers (http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... wc09ww.exe).

Thanks.

#12 Post by **erik** » Fri Dec 21, 2007 12:21 pm

7rwc09ww is new and i haven't tried it yet. if it works on my T61p then i'll be a happy camper as it will allow me to finally use a dual boot of vista ultimate x64 on my main drive and server 2003 on my spare drive.

thanks

2003 Server on X61?

2003 Server on X61?

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