Restoring my computer back to day 1 (clean XP install)

[TwoSteppin4140]

First, I searched and checked the FAQ - I'm sure there is something out there, so if this needs to be closed and I could get a link that would be good too...


OK...so with previous computers that I had I had a Windows XP CD that I could boot to, and then completely format my harddrive and reinstall a fresh clean copy of XP, then reinstall all my programs, etc...relatively painless and simple process. Just a few clicks of a mouse and some wait time...

How do I do that with my current machine? It's a T60 - Windows XP Pro...nothing special, really.

1 - Is there a way to do this without creating a boot CD? And if I do, can I choose which of the ThinkVantage/ThinkPad programs are installed? What's the best/easiest way to do this?

2 - Should I create a boot CD? If I do this can I get a fresh clean copy of XP and pick and choose which of the ThinkPad programs are installed?


In sum - I want to bring this machine back to the day I first powered it up. Brand spanken new - time for some Spring (Summer...heh...) cleaning.

Again, I'm sure this has been covered - just couldn't find the thread(s) - so you can lock this if need be.

MANY THANKS!

[ryengineer]

1. Yes.

a. Turn off your machine.

b. Power it up and carefully observe the display. Look for the logo screen. At any time, while the logo screen is onscreen, press Thinkvantage Blue Button or F11.

c. Once Rescue and Recovery Predesktop area fully initiates, you'll see many option on the top and left side of your screen.

d. Under "Rescue and Restore" press "Restore your system".

At some point you'll be presented with custom restore option provided you've the latest version of Rescue and Recovery.

The rest of the process is self explanatory.

2. Through CD custom restore is not possible.

[TwoSteppin4140]

Flippin' sweet.

So, just back everything up and the ThinPad will basically take care of the rest - that's the purpose of the extra partition, right? Awesome.

And that will format the computer? I'm good to go then? Nice.

Many thanks. I may just do this tonight!

[ryengineer]

Yes x 2.

[carbon_unit]

Be sure to make a set of recovery discs in case the hard drive goes south someday. They will reinstall the hidden restore partition for you.

[TwoSteppin4140]

Help! ... Kind of...


OK, so the reinstall went smooth - or so I thought. Two fairly major issues...

1 - The internet is pain stakingly slow. I mean, it crawls. It's a little better today...but pages take forever to load through the wireless connection. And it won't even connect to a wired connection...what's up with that?

2 - Not as major... After I boot up and enter my windows password to logon I get prompted by client security for a password...I enter the password, and it keeps telling me it's wrong and asks me to retry. I click cancel and can go on about my business like normal...but can I get that password popup to stop?



Many thanks!

[TwoSteppin4140]

Help! ... Kind of...


OK, so the reinstall went smooth - or so I thought. Two fairly major issues...

1 - The internet is pain stakingly slow. I mean, it crawls. It's a little better today...but pages take forever to load through the wireless connection. And it won't even connect to a wired connection...what's up with that?

2 - Not as major... After I boot up and enter my windows password to logon I get prompted by client security for a password...I enter the password, and it keeps telling me it's wrong and asks me to retry. I click cancel and can go on about my business like normal...but can I get that password popup to stop?



Many thanks!

Well, I just said eff it and reformatted...for the third time...and everything is running in top shape. Woop!