Need original Lenovo restore CD (XP/Vista) for 1844-69U/R51E Thinkpad

[gkx]

Hi,

Because of failed XP reinstall + failed Thinkpad drivers upload I need a XP/Vista R51E/1844-69 Lenovo Thinkpad re-install/recover CD.

The unhappy details are as follows:

I reinstalled Windows XP on my 1844-69U (this is a variant of the R51E) to get rid of a virus. I didn't realize that there were specific drivers for my 1844-69U that wouldn't be on a regular Windows XP CD.

After help from forum members and my own research I found what should be the required drivers for my laptop and loaded them. Unfortunately, Device Manager shows the following devices lacking drivers: ethernet controllers #1, ethernet controller #2 multimedia audio controller, pci modem, sm bus controller, unknown device and video controller (VGA compatible).

I downloaded the R51E drivers listed at the Lenevo website (https://support.lenovo.com/us/en/produc ... =Downloads) and installed them as instructed in the text documents at that website.

The only drivers I am really interested in are the ethernet drivers as I solely want to use this Thinkpad to access the internet. I now have the following drivers installed in C:\drivers\win\ethernet\winxp\ia32\

B57win32 (listed as "Security Catalog")
B57win32 (listed as "Setup Information")
B57xp32 (listed as "System File")

So far as I can tell from the Lenovo website, these B57 drivers are the correct drivers for both the R51E and 1844-69U wireless card.

The wireless card I have installed in my 1844-69U Thinkpad is an Anatel T60H786U. This card would appear to be the same ethernet/wireless card that is installed in the R51E. So I would assume that I have downloaded the correct drivers for this card. I have also tried using drivers from several driver download websites, all to no avail.

Right now I am at a loss as to how to continue. If anybody has any suggestions I would very much appreciate it.

All I can think is that I very much need a Lenovo XP/Vista re-intallation disk that works specifically with the 1844-69U/R51E. If anyone can provide me with/sell me such a CD, I would be eternally grateful.

[rkawakami]

If you are still using the original hard drive delivered with the system AND have not completely wiped it, then there is a possibility that you can access the "hidden" restore partition. Turn on the system and when you see the IBM "splash" screen, press the F11 key rapidly several times. If the restore partition is still on the drive, you'll be given access to the recovery software. I'm hazy on the details as I have rarely used it myself but there should be a way to restore the operating system from one of the given options. Also, if the option hasn't already been used before, you can burn a set of recovery disks. You'll need a CD-RW drive and probably several blank CDs.

If that doesn't work, I'll check to see if I have anything that will work on an R51e tonight when I get home. Or maybe somebody else will beat me to it and post here or contact you via PM.

[brchan]

Have you tried installing Lenovo System Update and running it? It will automatically detect and install any necessary drivers for you.

[gkx]

Thanks for your suggestions. I very much appreciate them.

Unfortunately, I think I completely reformatted the hard drive when I re-installed Windows XP. I remember there was a reserved partition, but I didn't realize it's importance. I simply deleted it in the Windows XP installation format option.

I can possibly try using the Lenovo System Update by connecting the Thinkpad to the internet through one of my desktops. With everything I've done so far, I can't say I'm optimistic. According to the research I've done and the Lenovo website the drivers I've downloaded should work.

If anyone can find a restore disk for me I would be very grateful (did Ray Kawakami ever find the restore disks he said he would look for?). This would be by far the easiest and simplest option.

Thanks again for your advice and suggestions.

Sincerely,

Graham

[rkawakami]

Yes I did check and I'm sorry to report that, no I don't have one. I DID send you a PM on the 21st but it appears that you haven't read it yet (it's still sitting in my Sent box).

Which brings up a post I made a couple of days ago: http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?f=61&t=117561

[RealBlackStuff]

After downloading, those driver-files are only extracted into c:\drivers\[whatever].
You then need to go into the c:\drivers\[whatever] subdirectory concerned and doubleclick setup.exe there to install those drivers!