Reinstalling Windows XP

[saltalan]

I obtained from IBM my recovery CD's for my R51. There are 8 disks total. One to create a hidden partition and 7 for Windows XP. I have installed the system using this method once already. Downloading all disks made the computer slow. I finally found a way to delete alot of the useless programs that came with it and also deleted the hidden partition as I have no use for it.

My question is this, since I tend to reinstall Windows about once a year, how do I extract the operating system from these 7 cds so I do not have to find and delete the usless programs that come with it.

[RWDPLZ]

What I do is download an OEM version of the disk, which is basically XP without most of the crap. Then I use the legitimate key on the bottom of the Thinkpad to activate and authenticate, and download all the new updates from Microsoft. Then I go to Lenovo and download all the IBM stuff.

[saltalan]

The only recovery cds I have are the 7 cds I got from IBM. The key is enbedded in the program I don't even know what it is. I don't even have to activate windows it came already activated.

I originally got this laptop from my employer. While it was free, everything was erased from it. I called IBM and for $55 they sent me the cds that came with the laptop when it was new. I just did not realize there would be so much "junk" added on to it.

My only other recourse is to buy a OEM CD which I am trying to avoid as I have already paid for this set and have spent money upgrading the RAM and HD.

I have tried downloading the cds to a folder and then using Nlite to delete all the junk. But I can not get Nlite to even find XP in that folder.

[steveg47]

The only recovery cds I have are the 7 cds I got from IBM. The key is enbedded in the program I don't even know what it is. I don't even have to activate windows it came already activated.

I originally got this laptop from my employer. While it was free, everything was erased from it. I called IBM and for $55 they sent me the cds that came with the laptop when it was new. I just did not realize there would be so much "junk" added on to it.

My only other recourse is to buy a OEM CD which I am trying to avoid as I have already paid for this set and have spent money upgrading the RAM and HD.

I have tried downloading the cds to a folder and then using Nlite to delete all the junk. But I can not get Nlite to even find XP in that folder.

Google the web using the keyword "magicjellybean". This utility will help you recover the key.