old thinkpad need to install and need advise

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dovid · #1 Post by **dovid** » Fri May 05, 2006 5:35 pm

Hi,
.
I"m helping a friend with a thinkpad. The registry is corrupted and
can't even get in with Recovery mode. We want to install the OS again

Problem 1: He lost the original cds. Can he get a backup pair from
the ibm if he still has the product id number.

Problem 2: I'm not oo sure how to reinstall. It has this option of F11 which then gives you the choice of reformatting the hard disk then
install. Is this OS on cds or is it on a separate partition for a reinstall.

I'm inexperienced with thinkpad so I'm looking for guidance.

Thank-you in advance.

regards
DJ

#2 Post by **Kyocera** » Fri May 05, 2006 5:40 pm

If you want to reinstall the os use the F11 option and follow the instructions carefully. Should be no problem.

dsvochak · #3 Post by **dsvochak** » Fri May 05, 2006 5:49 pm

Before you use the F11 option, you may want to try to boot the machine from a floppy or bootable CD in order to copy any data files you want to keep. As you indicated, F11 will format the drive and install the OS as delivered. In the formatting process, anything that's on the drive will be erased.

With regard to problem 1, it would be easier and cheaper to post a Wanted listing in the marketplace forum here. There are a lot of people who can provide copies of the appropriate restore CD's for a nominal amount.

Website · #4 Post by **tfflivemb2** » Fri May 05, 2006 7:04 pm

Welcome to the Forum!!

How about we start with the type of Thinkpad it is? (T2x, T30, T4x, Ax, R3x, R40, R5x, X2x, X3x, X4x, etc.)

dovid · #5 Post by **dovid** » Sun May 07, 2006 9:27 pm

Hi,

1. When I press F11 after the formatting will I be prompted to
put in a CD or is the restore on a separate partition.

2. What kind of boot diskette do I need to to get access to the folders. I tired with a diskette I formated from a 98 machine but
couldn't get access to the folders in order to recover data.

Also what kind of bootable CD do I need to create in order to
copy data over.

3. My friend doesn't know what kind of thinkpad it is. Is there a way to figure out from the computer itself. He has the serial number so I guess he could phone. Who would he phone to get this information.

Thanks
David J.

Website · #6 Post by **tfflivemb2** » Mon May 08, 2006 4:35 am

If it isn't visible just above the keyboard, then have them flip it over and get the full Model/Type number (ie. 2645-4BU)

old thinkpad need to install and need advise

old thinkpad need to install and need advise

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