A31 XP Version??

[Axemonkey]

I recently purchased an IBM Thinkpad A31 .. unfortunately it did not come with its recovery cd.. but it has a valid Windows Product Key on the bottom of it.. sooooo I either need to know what version of Windows XP was originally installed on this machine.. or I need a recovery disk.. can anybody help me? I'd really like to have a valid copy of Windows XP on here!!

[vanaya]

You can go to lenovo.com under support tab and plug in your model number (i.e. 2896-gzu) and it will tell you how your computer shipped from the factory. While you are there d/l the hardware maintenance manual for any additional info you will need on your system.

[schen]

If you have a valid COA on the machine for Windows XP, then all you need is to either buy or see if someone would be willing to make a you copy of the Recovery disks. This will give you a legal load on the machine. I'd offer, but am still looking for a set myself.

[fuzzypup]

IBM original recovery disks are available for the A30/31 from Lenovo. Enter your model number on the Support and Downloads page at Lenovo.com and follow the path for "How can I get a Product Recovery CD". You will need your serial number when calling. I called on a Saturday and talked to the Atlanta location and received the cds on Tuesday. Price is about $50 including shipping and worked great to restore to original condition.

[ryengineer]

IBM original recovery disks are available for the A30/31 from Lenovo. Enter your model number on the Support and Downloads page at Lenovo.com and follow the path for "How can I get a Product Recovery CD". You will need your serial number when calling. I called on a Saturday and talked to the Atlanta location and received the cds on Tuesday. Price is about $50 including shipping and worked great to restore to original condition.

Strange, was your A30 or A31 still on warranty?

Purchase a recovery CD or DVD:
If you cannot use the service partition or have had hard drive failure, you will need to obtain a recovery CD or DVD by contacting the Support Center. Please be aware that the Product Recovery CD or DVD may only be available if your machine is still in warranty.

[fuzzypup]

Bought the A30 on ebay. Definitely not under warranty. Apparently restore disks are still available for certain models. Depends on the model and serial number. This set of 2 disks did not ask for a Windows XP COA when installing although there was an XP Pro COA on the A30. I read elsewhere that the restore disk would write a COA during first use and XP Pro installed with no problem..

I recently bought an A31p on ebay and placed the restored hard drive from the A30 into the A31. The A31 booted and recognized new hardware. I did have to install different video drivers as the A31 LCD was different but so far the XP appears to be accepting the A31 without any other issues.