T61 only comes w/ 32 bit version os w/ NO Backup discs?

[kelchm]

The real test is whether the license key will work with a standard disk or not. I'm confident that if it will work with a standard 32bit disk, it will work with a standard 64bit disk.

Please see this thread about the implementation of lenovo license key. This key will work with only oem installation media regardless of 32 or 64 bit disk but since the license determines the version so it will only allow you to install 32 bit version. Again this strictly applies to lenovo oem licenses.

Your missing a key point here. OEM and Retail media are now exactly the same. I won't know for sure until I actually get my t61p, but like I said before I'm confident there is a totally legal way to do what the OP wants to do without buying a new license.

Also, in that link you provided, I found this post very interesting.

The real Vista key is not the one printed on the bottom of your notebook. You need a program called "Magical Jellybean Key Finder" to find your real Vista key.

There is also a Lenovo offline activation license you can find on the net, that allows you to offline activate a fresh install of Vista (after you've put in the key you found with the key finder).

This is not exactly illegal, since you are doing a fresh install using the key you legally purchased along with your computer. And the offline activation file just saves you the hassle of having to activate Vista online or having to make a phone call to MS.

I've never seen this before, but it might explain why using the key from the sticker on normal Vista media does not work.

[jonnylaw]

Suscribing. Kechm when do u expect to get ur t61p

[GarryF]

I got my T61P a few weeks back, it came with 32 bit ultimate. I managed to install vista 64 bit without any problems before going back to 32 bit for now.

1. standard oem vista disk either has 32 bit OR 64 bit
2. retail vista disk includes both 32 bit & 64 bit
3. Anytime upgrade disk can apparently also be used and can be bought for $5 in the USA (I've not tried it though)
4. The key on the bottom of the key is not the one installed on your laptop, if you use that key you need to call MS to activate.
5. Lenovo use a volume licencing key, basically all laptops from them have the same key.
6. There is a small application called ABR that can backup your volume licence key allowing you to clean install windows then restore the factory key, there is a long thread with info etc over on notebook review.
7. It would appear that Lenovo/Microsoft use the same key for 32 bit/64 bit so have no way of telling what you are running using the volume licence key that came with your PC

[jonnylaw]

Gary, can you give me step by step instructions on how to do what you did?

[GarryF]

1. Download the small ABR utility
2. I unzipped it on an SD card
3. Double click on "backup key" batch file.
4. Make another copy of the ABR folder somewhere safe
5. Install Vista 64 bit (must be the same version i.e. don't try going business to ultimate that will fail (rightly so))
6. Once install is finished double click on "restore key" on the SD card
7. Vista is then activated using the same key you got from the factory.

[jonnylaw]

Thx Gary! How do I get a copy of the vista 64-bit installer? Do I need to buy one of those $5 upgrade discs?

[kelchm]

Thx Gary! How do I get a copy of the vista 64-bit installer? Do I need to buy one of those $5 upgrade discs?

No, you don't.

As I said before you can do as I did and download the media via a torrent and burn it to DVD. If you need help with that shoot me a PM.

[ryengineer]

Sirs, all the discussion about using any external softwares to activate Windows comes under hacks which would not satisfy software laws. I'm very well aware of such guides floating around NBR, I suggest please keep it simple and legal.

[kelchm]

Sirs, all the discussion about using any external softwares to activate Windows comes under hacks which would not satisfy software laws. I'm very well aware of such guides floating around NBR, I suggest please keep it simple and legal.

ryenginer, backing up your license is in no way a 'hack'. You own the license, your not breaking the EULA by backing up your license and reinstalling on the same system.

That said, apparently you can use the key on the bottom of the system, and then call MS to activate. So, if you insist that the method suggested by Garry isn't within the license, then the other way certainly is.