problems installing xp pro on x300

[frankhil]

Hello all,

I just got an X300 delivered fro some 900 Euro's. It came with an XP Pro CD that does not install as Vista ultimate is a newer programme.

Lenovo The Netherlands told me to download and burn an ISO with pc doctor 7.1 but that does not install properly. The pcdr.ini is said to be missing.

to work around this I tried to format the SSD through a dos command. Dodn't work either.

What could I do to install XP and then work in all drivers for the X300?

Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

Frank

[ZaZ]

They gave you a Windows CD or a set of XP recovery discs? You could download dban and wipe the drive. Make sure you make the recovery discs and a copy of the SWTools folder before doing anything else. The SWTools folder contains all the apps and drivers installed on your ThinkPad.

[frankhil]

Thanks for your help.

they gave me - or rather I bought - a real windows CD. I think the Lenovo CD's offer the same stuff thats on the SDD. So out with the stuff on the SDD.

[frankhil]

Sorry for my ignorance but could I do following:

1. wipe de HDD
2. install XP-PRO from CD
3. Install virus software
4. download drivers from the Lenovo site
5. install other software

I hope to never use vista again so no harm in wiping that. Would there be something else lost?

Thanks

[jdhurst]

If you are willing, purchasing the XP recovery CD's from Lenovo will be the easiest route forward because all the drivers are there and you are pretty much assured of a working system upon which to build. It is easy to uninstall the few things you don't want or need.

With respect to your proposal:
1. wipe de HDD <--- Yes. Use Fdisk first to delete partitions first and then fdisk /mbr
2. install XP-PRO from CD <--- Yes.
3. Install virus software <--- I would not. I would work behind a firewall and install driver first
4. download drivers from the Lenovo site <--- Yes.
4a. Now install virus software
5. install other software <-- Yes.

... JDH

[frankhil]

Thanks JD,

Actually I bought a XP Pro license with the computer. The CD seems to be the generic Microsoft thing. I'll download the drivers instead of buying yet another CD.