reinstall windows?

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aaronpropst · #1 Post by **aaronpropst** » Fri Aug 12, 2005 4:30 pm

Ok, i've had a t41 for a couple years.. and about a year ago i reinstalled windows. I didn't want to use ibm's recovery cds (because they are numerous and install more helper apps and garbage than i ever wanted) so i just used a plain old windows xp cd..

Legally, my puter has an authentic license for it.. (the sticker on the bottom says so) but with that reinstall i wasn't allowed to use that key... So.. how do you all do legit reinstalls on your thinkpads when IBM never provided an actual operating system disc?

#2 Post by **jdhurst** » Fri Aug 12, 2005 5:15 pm

IBM *did* provide an operating system disc, but you apparently wiped it out. You can try calling IBM to purchase recovery CD's, but they may not still have them. ... JD Hurst

aaronpropst · #3 Post by **aaronpropst** » Fri Aug 12, 2005 5:29 pm

yeah.. i didn't want the recovery partition.. i *have* the recovery cds.. (at a cost of $40.. gumble grumble).. i was just hoping there was an easier (less ibm software laden) way to do it.

dd · #4 Post by dd » Fri Aug 12, 2005 5:49 pm

Here is 1 option:

Download and save the drivers for you thinkpad

Install the software with your recovery cd's.

Then you can make a XP SP2 cd from that by using the faq "http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?t=3827

In this way you will only have windows.

Next you can install the IBM software installer add choose the programs you require . . .

#5 Post by **jdhurst** » Fri Aug 12, 2005 6:09 pm

Just remember that much of the installation time is for audio, video, power management, hard disk protection, wired network, wireless network and modem. You need that stuff anyway for a laptop and for an IBM Laptop, IBM drivers are absolutely the best drivers to use as they have been tested and certified for use on an IBM laptop. ... JD Hurst

aaronpropst · #6 Post by **aaronpropst** » Fri Aug 12, 2005 6:21 pm

yes, i'm familiar with the process of obtaining all the necessary drivers etc to make everything work.. and i definitely prefer my thinkpad the way it is now.. as opposed to the way it was when purchased.. (if nothing else.. it has far more free memory!)

Thanks dd, i'll look into that guide.. it sounds like what i'm looking for.

tomc · #7 Post by **tomc** » Fri Aug 12, 2005 11:22 pm

aaronpropst wrote: Legally, my puter has an authentic license for it.. (the sticker on the bottom says so) but with that reinstall i wasn't allowed to use that key... So.. how do you all do legit reinstalls on your thinkpads when IBM never provided an actual operating system disc?

You need a disc of Windows XP OEM, I used to have the same problem when I reinstall windows in my T41, I use a cd of windows and I can't use my key, I get a Windows OEM and problem solve, after that I customize a disc of Win XP OEM with SP2 and some modifications.

aaronpropst · #8 Post by **aaronpropst** » Sat Aug 13, 2005 12:43 pm

i have a ahem.. couple windows install discs on hand.. any way i can see if they are OEM? think i could just use say.. an OEM disc distributed by anyone and use my IBM key and be fine?

That might be easier than rebuilding the OS from the 10 ibm backup cds, having it create a disk, then rebuilding the OS again.

reinstall windows?

reinstall windows?

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