X200 Product key illegible - No OS

[VanZan]

I purchased an X200 on eBay and in the listing it said it came with a Vista Business product key. However on arrival of the laptop I was dismayed to see that a set of digits had faded. I can't use a keyfinder as there was no OS on the laptop or a recovery partition.

I tried guessing by going through the different permutations but got nowhere. I tried ringing Microsoft activation support who told me to contact Lenovo.

I found this site:

https://www.lenovorecovery.com/Extranet/Home.aspx

But I'd say it's quite likely it'll ask for a product key. I'm screwed?

[RealBlackStuff]

They are Lenovo and they are legit, I think in the Czech Republic.
They'll only ask for your Type, Serial # and OS (don't forget to ask for 32- or 64-bit, unless the disks include both).
Alternative: find and install a Slic2.1 BIOS and install Vista or W7 from a set of Lenovo Recovery disks.

[theterminator93]

If I was in your situation, I'd look for a set of Lenovo recovery disks for your OS and system (pretty sure someone here can point you in the right direction). It will activate automatically without your needing to enter the unique product key.

[VanZan]

If I was in your situation, I'd look for a set of Lenovo recovery disks for your OS and system (pretty sure someone here can point you in the right direction). It will activate automatically without your needing to enter the unique product key.

Oh if someone could point me towards an iso download of Vista Business recovery for a X200 (I'm not sure if I should post the serial number and type publicly) I'd be very grateful!

Curiously the above link did not have Vista Business in the drop down box after I entered the type and serial.

[RealBlackStuff]

You should NEVER publish your S/N publicly.
All info people really want is your Model (e.g. Thinkpad X200), its TYPE (e.g. 7458-WQB), and what OS (e.g. XP, Vista, W7, Linux etc.) and if you need 32 or 64 bit.

[VanZan]

Ok thank you.

Thinkpad x200
7459-EH9
Windows Vista Business