MS XP product key doesn't work!

[k2jsv]

As suggested, if you use nLite to create your own "custom" recovery disk use the tutorial in the following link. Great resource... and I think I found it here somewhere.

http://kylefarnung.com/index.php/2007/0 ... tom_oem_wi

[heelix]

That is the application. Use your Retail WinXP disk to copy over the files, then replace it with the Lenovo OEM setupp.ini configurations. That will "down convert" the install to something that your OEM key will be valid with.

[bill bolton]

Ok. I learned so far,
1. the recovery partition is Lenovo special way to help users to reinstall W'XP.

Its not special to Lenovo, as at least HP also use the same approach.

The MS OEM CD works, probably, with this partition only.

An MS OEM CD has NOTHING WHATSOEVER to do with what is on the recovery partition. THE MS CD is intended for a complete generic XP install.

Any case, recovery partition MUST be present on Lenovo products.

It doesn't have to be present, but it IS present when the ThinkPad ships from the factory.

I didn't know about that. Other vendors, like HP and DELL do the same business without recovery partition.

HP uses recovery paritions.

There is no way to reinstall Windows without recovery disks or recovery partitions and recovery disks.

You can install from egneric Microsoft XP media but you will need a valid key for the type of install media used.

3. Carbon, I said early when I called to Lenovo support they say the product key from the PC bottom is not going to work.

The OEM key of the laptop COA wil not work with retail install media you appear to have acquired from somewhere, so that advice you received from Lenovo is correct.

You can purchase recovery disks from Lenovo which will restore the factory image, so Lenovo has no need to supply MS OEM disks.

[bill bolton]

Last time I checked, Lenovo charges $0 if the machine is under warranty and if this is the first time you ask for the CDs.

I don't know where you checked but in many IBM/Lenovo regions this has never been the case.

Cheers,

Bill B.

[dr_st]

Last time I checked, Lenovo charges $0 if the machine is under warranty and if this is the first time you ask for the CDs.

I don't know where you checked but in many IBM/Lenovo regions this has never been the case.

Cheers,

Bill B.

I checked where I live (Israel).

[GomJabbar]

FWIW, I slipsteamed SP2 onto XP SP1 from an OEM CD that came with a desktop computer that I bought from IBUYPOWER. When I used this slipsteamed CD, the key on the bottom of my ThinkPad was the one that was accepted.

If you do not have an OEM XP CD that came with another computer purchase (likely namebrand computers will not have an acceptable OEM CD), then maybe you can borrow one from a friend. Since you are using your own key from the bottom of the ThinkPad, you will not be compromising your friend's installation. Alternatively, you can buy an XP OEM CD for less than a Retail XP Full (not upgrade) CD. Try searching ebay or pricegrabber.com.

[alexv]

Thanks to everyone. Very fast and advanced help. I reinstall my HDD to the factory image and I installed kubuntu as a dual boot. Perfect.
The cause the problem is Lenovo confusing T60 purchase package. They should include recovery CD set into each PC bundle. With HW they do like that - the one may remove CD drive to replace by serial port or whatever and to boot without CD and to put the CD back to boot one with the CD and a one may do it as often as needed, no extra utilities or tools are needed and no extra purchase required. With SW same approach doesn't work. If you removed your xp from the hdd you need for the set what is not in your purchase or you have to make you own recovery CD set to put the XP back. To me that sound like Lenovo handles its HW and its SW by completely different ways, with different rules. I suggest, Lenovo should ask for $50 purchase if one removed the CD drive and wants to put it back . At least, that is same way as they sell SW.
regards

[bill bolton]

The cause the problem is Lenovo confusing T60 purchase package.

No, its caused entirely because you didn't follow the instructions that come with all new ThinkPads about burning a product recovery disk set!