Windows XP Product Code valid?

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Pantek · #1 Post by **Pantek** » Tue Jun 27, 2006 8:20 am

Hi

I got my T60 last week and the first thing I did is erase the pre-loaded windows installation. Then I tried to install Windows XP (German) using the product code printed on the label on the backside of the Thinkpad. I was surprised to read that the code is invalid!

So I tried to do a recover the pre-loaded image (the partition remained untouched) but failed because it wouldn't boot up anymore when I press the "ThinkVantage" Button.

Does anybody else have an idea what to do apart from buying a recovery CD or another XP license? After all I already paid for an XP license by buying the thinkpad, didn't I?

Thanks
Jan

#2 Post by **jdhurst** » Tue Jun 27, 2006 8:22 am

Call IBM and purchase a set of recovery CD's. The license is for the OEM installation and cannot be used otherwise. ... JD Hurst

Interpol · #3 Post by **Interpol** » Tue Jun 27, 2006 8:37 am

Doesn't your copy of German Windows XP come with its own product code/serial number? Why not just use that one?

own6volvos · #4 Post by **own6volvos** » Tue Jun 27, 2006 9:13 am

IBM Windows codes on the bottom of the laptops are for OEM installs only. If you want to have a nice clean fresh bare minimum install, you should start from a factory "fresh out the of box" state, and then look online for instructions on how to make a slipstreamed install disc. This way it will actually be the IBM oem install setup, but only the normal install... none of that extra crap.

Pantek · #5 Post by **Pantek** » Tue Jun 27, 2006 9:15 am

Interpol wrote:Doesn't your copy of German Windows XP come with its own product code/serial number? Why not just use that one?

Well, of course it does. But I already used this produce code to register my desktop computer. Therefore it won't work on the thinkpad, will it?

own6volvos · #6 Post by **own6volvos** » Tue Jun 27, 2006 9:16 am

Pantek wrote:
Interpol wrote:Doesn't your copy of German Windows XP come with its own product code/serial number? Why not just use that one?
Well, of course it does. But I already used this produce code to register my desktop computer. Therefore it won't work on the thinkpad, will it?

It probably will just not "morally legal". But you already have another code, so I wouldn't lose sleep.

Pantek · #7 Post by **Pantek** » Tue Jun 27, 2006 9:19 am

jdhurst wrote:Call IBM and purchase a set of recovery CD's. The license is for the OEM installation and cannot be used otherwise. ... JD Hurst

I just called IBM and ordered the recovery CDs. It will take 2 weeks until I'll have them! Probabely they are sending them from India or God knows where ...

Is there no other way to access the recovery partition than pressing the "ThinkVantage" button? The partition is still there and since I didn't touch it I'm sure it's still functioning but somehow the recovery tool doesn't start up when I press the blue button.

bigtiger · #8 Post by **bigtiger** » Tue Jun 27, 2006 9:23 am

Your installation CD is probably a retail version. T60 has a OEM code. It will not match for sure. I have real time experience and know this.

You will have to order the recovery CD.

dbertoni5000 · #9 Post by **dbertoni5000** » Tue Jun 27, 2006 9:55 pm

You can try the following to see if it restores the master boot record:

http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... MIGR-54483

It should enable the ThinkVantage key

Windows XP Product Code valid?

Windows XP Product Code valid?

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