Reformatting for Vista: Does anyone have a step by step?

[will1087]

Hi guys,

I am thinking of installing/upgrading to Windows Vista Ultimate and i was wondering what the best way to go about it would be.

If i were to format my thinkpad (T43), how would i go about doing it to ensure that i dont the thinkpad functionality (AC, Fingerprint, etc.).

Would it be recommended to format to the factory settings first, and then upgrading, or just upgrading from scratch. In either case, how would i go about doing it?

I hope you guys can help me out... i'm not very tech savvy .

Cheers,

Will

[riverwater]

I have done a clean install of vista on my T60p, e.g. format the hard drive and erase everything. You can find all the thinkpad vista driver on lenovo's website. Just backup your personal data before install.

Hi guys,
I am thinking of installing/upgrading to Windows Vista Ultimate and i was wondering what the best way to go about it would be.
Will

[will1087]

but what about the thinkpad partition on the harddrive?

[arni]

Here's my way i've moved to vista:

1. Did a clean install of Vista Ultimate on the IBM_PRELOAD partition, leaving the factory preinstall untouched (in case i would have to do a factory reinstall and don't mind about the missing 5gb disc space - you even can get the space back at a later moment but for now i'm on a safe side).

2. First downloaded System Update 3.0 from Lenovos site.

3. Let SU 3.0 did the job of getting and installing all Vista related drivers and ThinkVantage products.

4. After all TV software and drivers were installed first defragmented the hole drive.

5. Made a new base backup with r&r 4, just in case i would need to go back to start.

6. Started using the system. And for now it's running fine just like it did on XP.

So no different than with xp. SU 3.0 works very well as you just have to let it do it's job and meanwhile watch a movie

[Kyocera]

Mine was a little different, I'm dual booting XP/VIsta on my t60

Split hp my HD (100G) to two 40's and one 20 (for storage space to swap files)

formatted all to fat32 with Parition commander

Installed XPpro

From insdie XP pro I installed Vista, this let's vista write the boot sector correctly.

That was it, I have the two OS's running perfect and a little space for storage.

[iatacs19]

Can we clean install Vista Business upgrade we get from Lenovo or do we have to install XP then Vista? I remember reading that upgrade versions required XP to be present to proceed?

[arni]

I would guess that you only get an upgrade dvd that checks if you have a valid os installed for upgrade.

But there is a workaround how to make a clean install even if you only have upgrade dvds.

First you have to install vista from the upgrade dvd without entering your serial number and only choosing the right version from the list of vista skus.

After install just put your vista dvd once again in your drive and now choose an upgrade install which might take some hours.

When vista setup is done start drive cleanup (type "datent" in the searchbox on the start menu) and choose the option to delete all windows upgrade files.

After cleanup is complete you are left with an fresh and clean install of vista.

[Kyocera]

I would call lenovo and ask them for sure. I think an upgrade is just that "an upgrade"

[will1087]

Hey guys,

one more q: how do i reformatt without getting rid of the ibm partition? Is there an option or...?

Obviously i have no idea!

I was hoping to reformat soon because vista is so buggy when upgraded on top of an unmaintained XP.

Cheers,

Will

[arni]

If your TP still has the factory preinstall then there's nothing special to worry about.

Just start the installation with your vista dvd and after entering your serial you will be prompted to manually configure your hdd layout and the partition to install vista into.

From this screen choose "Custom (advanced)" installation type and then "Drive options (advanced)". There you will see your IBM_PRELOAD partition which you just can delete and select for the installation partition for vista.

For a comprehensive guide for installing vista have a look on this guide http://www.windowsreinstall.com/winvist ... newhdd.htm

There you will be guided step by step thru the setup process.

Hope this will help!