Any recommended first steps on new machine?

[stuartf]

OK, so the new ThinkPad was waiting for me when I got home tonight, build date of 12/14/05, in my hands today, even with the extended Christmas holiday.

Any suggested steps to take before loading my programs??

Thanks for any help.

Stuart F

ThinkPad T43 Model 26874D4U

[Kyocera]

Whenever I reload my OS I usually make sure I have a restore point, go update virus definitions first, windows update next, then start loading apps.

[tfflivemb2]

Since many people have complained about only getting one chance to create Restore Disks, or pay the $50 for replacement from IBM/Lenovo, you might want to go ahead and try to create your Restore Disks now.

This way if there is a problem, you would be within the 30 days, and IBM/Lenovo might send you Recovery Disks for free.

[stuartf]

OK, so when you say recovery discs, I created disc 1 and then it asks me if I want to create disc 1 again. Is there more than one disk to create??

If so, how many??

Thanks

Should have searched first, I see it tales 6 or 7 discs, looks like the first two are coasters, eh?

[RonS]

See this thread:

http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?t=14382

[davidspalding]

If you have a DVD writer, you can make hte first one a CD-R, and the second a DVD-R, and you're done. DEFINITELY make those Rescue/Rstore discs.

Make a System restore point. Then ... use the Software Installer to update all drivers, applications. And Windows Update when that's done.

Make a second set of restore discs.

NOW, remove software you don't want (NOrton!), and start installing your own.

Those two, separate sets of restore discs come in MIGHTY handy.

[GomJabbar]

Make a second set of restore discs.

If you are talking about the Recovery Disc set, the creation software will only let you make (1) set.

Make sure you use high-quality media.

[davidspalding]

Gee, then how have I made two?

We may be talking two different animals. When I say "second restore" set, I mean use Rescue and Recovery (branched off from the Access IBM button app) to create a full backup of the system. Worked fine for me. YMMV.

[GomJabbar]

Gee, then how have I made two?

We may be talking two different animals. When I say "second restore" set, I mean use Rescue and Recovery (branched off from the Access IBM button app) to create a full backup of the system. Worked fine for me. YMMV.

Yeah, were talking apples and oranges. I was talking about the Recovery Disc set which has the factory install of the software. When you use this set, your ThinkPad is restored to "Factory State" software wise. In fact the use of this set deletes all existing data and partitions on the hard drive.

The Rescue and Recovery software performs backups that can restore your configuration to the date when you made the last backup.

[davidspalding]

Thanks, that's what I meant to say. thank you for fact-checking my faulty memory.

[wiesl]

OK, so the new ThinkPad was waiting for me when I got home tonight, build date of 12/14/05, in my hands today, even with the extended Christmas holiday.

Any suggested steps to take before loading my programs??

Thanks for any help.

Stuart F

ThinkPad T43 Model 26874D4U

I suggest (before even booting it the first time!!!) to boot from a CD and make a full backup with tools like Ghost or Acronis Trueimage.

Wiesl

[davidspalding]

Great idea ... if you have those tools, but the Restore discs do essentially the same thing. I used them a few days after receiving my TP, and it was easy.

[tripper]

Install TweakUI and ATI Tool. NoteTab light is also good as a notepad replacement.