How to Clean Install Vista on Thinkpad X60s? Need help

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Vimal · #1 Post by **Vimal** » Thu Feb 15, 2007 3:12 am

I just got a DVD of Vista Business. Could someone please advise how to do a clean install on the X60s; specially which drivers to essentially install and in which order. From the forum and going through some of the driver install notes, I am a bit confused on the sequence of installation of drivers. Thanks.

domi · #2 Post by **domi** » Sat Feb 24, 2007 2:15 am

I also have an X60s. Here is what I did: I installed Vista from DVD (using Ultrabase X6), I installed System Update and let it found its drivers/applications, I installed Software Installer and let it found more drivers/applications. I ran Software Installer with the "View driver and application version information" option. I went to http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... 62938.html , compared versions and retrieved manually newer versions or missing drivers/applications. Now I think I have the latest versions of everything, and everything works fine.

Vimal · #3 Post by **Vimal** » Sat Feb 24, 2007 3:59 am

Thanks Domi; appreicate your input.

The few questions I have are:

a, did you let System Update install drivers for Intel Chipsoft, Vista Update files, Lenovo System Interface etc?

b, is there a certain sequence that you followed for updating drivers (beyond System Update and S/w Installer)

c, did you install Vista with automatic file upgrade, or did you upgrade Vista (through Windows Update) at a later time.

d, which Antivirus/internet security software do you use ore recommend to go with Vista.

THANKS!!

domi · #4 Post by **domi** » Sat Feb 24, 2007 5:02 am

Vimal wrote:a, did you let System Update install drivers for Intel Chipsoft, Vista Update files, Lenovo System Interface etc?

I think so. The only thing I left out was Restore & Recovery.

Vimal wrote:b, is there a certain sequence that you followed for updating drivers (beyond System Update and S/w Installer)

No, I let them do the job as they saw fit.

Vimal wrote:c, did you install Vista with automatic file upgrade, or did you upgrade Vista (through Windows Update) at a later time.

I only ran Windows Update at a later time, ie. after I had all the Lenovo stuff on board.

Vimal wrote:d, which Antivirus/internet security software do you use ore recommend to go with Vista.

I'm using Kaspersky. I was still using v. 5 (with W2K / XP), but had to switch to the latest v. 6, because it's the only one that's Vista-compatible. I like Kaspersky because it's non intrusive (compared to Norton, for instance). I understand it's rather well regarded in security circles. Been using it for years, no problems whatsoever.

Vimal · #5 Post by **Vimal** » Sat Feb 24, 2007 7:12 am

Thanks Domi for your inputs. I am going to do the clean install now and shall share my experiences shortly...stay tuned!

Vimal · #6 Post by **Vimal** » Sun Feb 25, 2007 4:08 am

OK! Successful Install!!

I had already pre-downloaded latest Vista drivers from the Lenovo side so that I do not waste time downloading one Vista is installed.

Here is what I did, after doing all the backups:

1. partitioned the whole hard disk into two

2. removed the hiddne Pre-desktop (living on the edge!)

3. Ensured HDD was in AHCI compatible mode through BIOS

4. Did custom installation of Windows Vista Business (clean install). took about 35 minutes complete.

5. Restored DRIVERS and SWTOOLS folders from the backup.

6. Took an image of the Virgin state of the system (I recommend that as an insurance).

7. Installed Intel Chipsoft Driver

8. Installed Lenovo System Interface Driver

9. Installed VISTA SATA OS Fix

10. Installed PM Driver

11. Installed Hotkey Driver

12. Installed System Update (it does not work...explained later).

13. Installed Bluetooth. Actually Vista recognized the Blutetooth by itself so I have not had to install any other drivers.

14. Installed Access Connections, and manually imported prfiles from the backup.

15. Installed Microsoft Windows LiveOneCare. I have read some 'not so charitable' reviews of this product on the net. However, I am going to try it out till ZoneAlarm comes out with a Vista compatible version (am I living on the edge

)

16. Now I connected to the net for the first time and updated Vista and OneCare.

17. Intalled Audio Driver

18. Installed Video Driver (though not needed, I guess).

19. Installed power Manager Software (great help).

20 Installed Fingreprint software (worked great, no hitch).

21. Installed productivity Center

22. Installed Active Protection s/w for HDD.

Now everythign works! Hurrah!!....except System Update.

Now when I went back to SystemUpdate and tried updating the system from the net, it just does not work.

Error; somewhere between 2 to 10% of scanning when it says 'Searching for Agent Updates', the whole thing stops and an error flashes, 'An error occured while gathering user information.'.

Can some one advsie on this.

Thanks.

Vimal · #7 Post by **Vimal** » Wed Feb 28, 2007 11:25 am

domi wrote:I also have an X60s. Here is what I did: I installed Vista from DVD (using Ultrabase X6), I installed System Update and let it found its drivers/applications, I installed Software Installer and let it found more drivers/applications..

Domi; for some inexplicable reason, I am just not able to get the Sytem Update going. I have downloaded the latest version. I am going for a clean install on a fully formatted HDD. The first thing I am doing soon after installing the Vista from DVD (through Ultrabase 6) is to install System Update. However, within 10% of the search, when it says 'Serarching for agent updates', I get an error window that says, "An error occured while gathering user information".

I am not sure why this is happening. Could you please HELP! Thanks.

domi · #8 Post by **domi** » Wed Feb 28, 2007 11:56 am

Vimal wrote:Domi; for some inexplicable reason, I am just not able to get the Sytem Update going. I have downloaded the latest version. I am going for a clean install on a fully formatted HDD. The first thing I am doing soon after installing the Vista from DVD (through Ultrabase 6) is to install System Update. However, within 10% of the search, when it says 'Serarching for agent updates', I get an error window that says, "An error occured while gathering user information".
I am not sure why this is happening. Could you please HELP! Thanks.

I have no idea what could be wrong: I just ran System Update, it had to download 6 MB worth of data only to list three items under the "Extras" tab: Clearance sale on the Port Replicator, ThinkPlus maintenance services, Clearance saleon the Docking Solution.Yes, System Update is also a way to sell you stuff!

#9 Post by **GomJabbar** » Wed Feb 28, 2007 12:22 pm

@Vimal
Do you have the system model and serial number listed in the BIOS? AFAIK, if this field is blank, Software Installer and System Update will not work.

Vimal · #10 Post by **Vimal** » Thu Mar 01, 2007 5:57 am

GomJabbar wrote:@Vimal
Do you have the system model and serial number listed in the BIOS? AFAIK, if this field is blank, Software Installer and System Update will not work.

Gomjabber: Having checked I can see the System model and the serial number on the main page of BIOS under "SYSTEM UNIT SERIAL NUMBER". Once in Vista, I can see the same in Productivity Center also.

Perhaps when I reformatted entire HDD and remove the hidden partition, some key files might have been deleted which enabled user information gathering by System Update. These files have not come back into the sytem through Vista or through the Lenovo-Vista downloads.

As for Software installer 4, this seems to be working. However, I do not trust the results of Software installer 4, since it is not certified to work with Vista.

Any help/advice is welcome (including a re-re-install of Vista)!

domi · #11 Post by **domi** » Thu Mar 01, 2007 6:19 am

Vimal wrote:Perhaps when I reformatted entire HDD and remove the hidden partition, some key files might have been deleted which enabled user information gathering by System Update. These files have not come back into the sytem through Vista or through the Lenovo-Vista downloads.

FWIW, I installed Vista on a blank HDD (not the one that came with the X60s, so no hidden partition). That didn't prevent System Update from installing OK.

Vimal · #12 Post by **Vimal** » Thu Mar 01, 2007 6:25 am

I am absolutely foxed now. I wonder what I may be doing wrong. Incidentally, I bought a DVDof Vista Biz from which I am installing...

#13 Post by **GomJabbar** » Thu Mar 01, 2007 7:13 am

From the .txt file (readme) for System Update 3.0:

Lenovo wrote:Software requirements
=====================
Microsoft .NET Framework version 1.1 with Service pack 1 or Microsoft .NET Framework version 2.0 is required for System Update to work properly. Use Microsoft Windows Update to ensure that Microsoft .NET Framework 1.1 or 2.0 is installed on your system.

Microsoft .NET Framework Version 2.0 Redistributable Package (x86)

Vimal · #14 Post by **Vimal** » Thu Mar 01, 2007 8:07 am

GomJabbar wrote:From the .txt file (readme) for System Update 3.0:

Lenovo wrote:Software requirements
=====================
Microsoft .NET Framework version 1.1 with Service pack 1 or Microsoft .NET Framework version 2.0 is required for System Update to work properly. Use Microsoft Windows Update to ensure that Microsoft .NET Framework 1.1 or 2.0 is installed on your system.
Microsoft .NET Framework Version 2.0 Redistributable Package (x86)

Thanks for the url. I downloaded the .Net fremwork 2.0. However, when I went ahead with installing, it returned an error saying the software is already installed. Is there a reason to uninstall .Net 2.0 and reinstall it?

Moreover, in my Vista install sequence, I installed System Update before I updated Vista from the net. Would that have made a difference?

Thanks for your inputs.

#15 Post by **GomJabbar** » Thu Mar 01, 2007 8:14 am

I only have Vista RC1, not Vista RTM. I do not use System Update because I prefer to install my drivers manually. As such, I cannot say that I have it working myself, and I am out of ideas to help you.

EDIT: Did you install the Windows Install Supplements from Lenovo's site? Specifically the Windows Update Modules?

kf_man · #16 Post by **kf_man** » Thu Mar 01, 2007 8:21 am

Vimal wrote:...
3. Ensured HDD was in AHCI compatible mode through BIOS
...

Just want to clarify/input on this. When installing Vista, this option should be left set to "AHCI" since "Compatibility" could cause problems later. It wasn't clear from your post which you actually set it to.

Vimal · #17 Post by **Vimal** » Fri Mar 02, 2007 3:26 am

kf_man wrote: this option should be left set to "AHCI" .

Thanks Kf_man; The option is set to AHCI.

Also, I had installed the Lenovo System Interface drivers (7jif05ww) intially. I reinstalled these, and yet, no System Update does not cooperate.

GomJabber: However, I realized I had not installed the 'Lenovo Windows Vista Update Modules (osv005ww). So I tried installing these. Now the system does not accept these and returns an error saying, "thie update does not apply to your system". I guess this may be the one which is not letting me work with System Update, and now I cannot install it.

Would you recommend I reinstall the whole Vista and then do this update the first thing....any and all advice/help is welcome!

#18 Post by **GomJabbar** » Fri Mar 02, 2007 7:02 am

I assume you have the 32-bit version of Vista. If so, be sure you choose 932079_x86.msu as outlined in the steps below. This update may not apply to you as it is for the US market. Maybe you have something similar in your market.

It may be worthwhile to start over.

Readme for osv005us.exe wrote:Installation

1. Start Windows Vista and logon with administrative privileges.
2. Double-click the driver package to extract it to your hard drive.
The default location is C:\SWTOOL\OSFIXES\VISTA.
3. Click Start, select All Programs, select Accessories, then click Run...
4. Click Accessories, then click Run...
5. Windows Vista 32 bit: Specify 932079_x86.msu with the full path name where you extracted the package in the step 2, and click OK. Example: C:\SWTOOL\OSFIXES\VISTA\932079_x86.msu
Windows Vista 64 bit: Specify 932079_x64.msu with the full path name where you extracted the package in the step 2, and click OK. Example: C:\SWTOOL\OSFIXES\VISTA\932079_x64.msu
6. Follow the instruction on screen to complete the install.

Vimal · #19 Post by **Vimal** » Sat Mar 03, 2007 1:04 am

GomJabbar wrote:I assume you have the 32-bit version of Vista. If so, be sure you choose 932079_x86.msu as outlined in the steps below. This update may not apply to you as it is for the US market. Maybe you have something similar in your market.

It may be worthwhile to start over.

GomJabber; thanks for your regular inputs. I am having the 32-bit Vista Biz, and am trying to install the correct file, ie, 932079_x86.msu. However, the system is still not accepting it. I guess I must have updated the system with some other file that may have locked out this update.

Well, I bought my X60s in the USA and so it should work with US updates.

Finally, I think I will put in this weekend into re-installing Vista. This time, I shall specifically look for System Update working in the first place.

Also, I have set bios to default values and SATA drive set to 'AHCI'. Any thoughts? Ideas/input welcome.

#20 Post by **GomJabbar** » Sat Mar 03, 2007 6:46 am

Vimal wrote:Also, I have set bios to default values and SATA drive set to 'AHCI'.

Regarding the BIOS, if you are not using the PreDesktop Area (and I assume you are not), then I would set the PDA in the BIOS to disabled. If you set the PDA to disabled, then to reclaim some hard drive space you could delete all partitions, create a single partition, then format that partition before installing Vista. Perhaps this procedure would not accomplish anything if the hard drive never had a PDA on it to begin with - I'm not sure.

From what I have read, you should set the SATA drive to ACHI in the BIOS before installing Vista.

tyanlion · #21 Post by **tyanlion** » Sat Mar 03, 2007 7:21 am

I updated bios and installed it on the 2nd partition. had absolutely no problems............apart from the inherent vista ones..........&*%^$^ battery life!!

Vimal · #22 Post by **Vimal** » Sat Mar 03, 2007 11:16 am

Would you recommend I reinstall the whole Vista and then do this update the first thing....any and all advice/help is welcome! tyanlion wrote:I updated bios and installed it on the 2nd partition. had absolutely no problems............apart from the inherent vista ones..........&*%^$^ battery life!!

So finally I got it all running.

I guess the main error was that some of the drivers were not installed in the correct sequence (or so I think...)

CORRECT WAY TO A CLEAN INSTALL (my experience):

1. Set drive to AHCI mode in Bios

2. Did clean install of Vista Biz

3. Installed Lenovo System Interface driver

4. Installed Vista SATA OS fix

5. Installed System Update (It worked!!!)

Then I just let System Update suggest the drivers to install. And I installed the critical ones (as suggested by System Update) first and then the optional ones.

As of now, it all is working well, and without any hitches.

Only two device drivers were not installed by Vista (the PM Driver and the finerprint driver). These were installed through the System Update.

I have also installed Live OneCare from Microsoft. It seems to be working fine.

Thanks GomJabber, Domi and all for your iputs that helped me get through this little episode....appreicate it!

barrywohl · #23 Post by **barrywohl** » Sat Mar 24, 2007 8:05 am

This thread was a lifesaver for me this week when I installed Vista Business on a fresh hard drive on my Z61p.

I never did find the Vista SATA OS Fix. I let Windows update run before I ran System Update 3.

Did I take care of the SATA OS Fix? I don't seem to have any problems. Well, not many problems.

I can't find the ATI Catalyst program that I had in Windows XP Pro.

Barry

Vimal · #24 Post by **Vimal** » Sat Mar 24, 2007 1:36 pm

barrywohl wrote: Did I take care of the SATA OS Fix? I don't seem to have any problems. Well, not many problems.

I can't find the ATI Catalyst program that I had in Windows XP Pro.

Barry

In my case the SATA OS Fix was installed by System Update directly.

Yes, it seems ATI Catalyst is not available in Vista.

Good Luck!!

barrywohl · #25 Post by **barrywohl** » Sun Mar 25, 2007 4:35 pm

ATI Catalyst gets installed when you install the ATI 8.33 driver from the Lenovo site.

Also, upgrading from the ATI 7.14 driver that Windows update installs to the ATI 8.33 driver from the Lenovo site fixes Presentation Director.

How to Clean Install Vista on Thinkpad X60s? Need help

How to Clean Install Vista on Thinkpad X60s? Need help

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