How to just re-install Windows in T41?

[firstep]

Hi, there. I think this is a very common question but cannot find the clear answer.

If some Windows file corrupted, how do we just re-install Windows in T41? System recover using IBM CD's will also remove the applications installed. Ghost will do unnecessary backup and recovery of these applciations. In addition, Ghost may not work with T41.

[none]

Well if you get a Windows CD, you can just boot from it and select the repair option (not to be confused with it's preceeding recovery console option). Then you just use the product key on the bottom of your ThinkPad.

Only side note is that you need an OEM Windows CD, like the kind that usually come with new computers, not a retail boxed copy. It's because the license on your machine is OEM (original equipment manufacturer) too.

[jdhurst]

I can't answer your question directly, but one approach that has had some success is to download the SP2 file (very large) and install or re-install SP2. The reason is that SP2 re-writes a large number of Windows files. ... JD Hurst

[firstep]

I am a little confused. So I need an OEM Windows CD, but not necessarily IBM's? For example, I can use Dell's Windows CD to repair Thinkpad's Windows? It sounds a litte weird.

Well if you get a Windows CD, you can just boot from it and select the repair option (not to be confused with it's preceeding recovery console option). Then you just use the product key on the bottom of your ThinkPad.

Only side note is that you need an OEM Windows CD, like the kind that usually come with new computers, not a retail boxed copy. It's because the license on your machine is OEM (original equipment manufacturer) too.

[Kenn]

http://www.4saad.com/WhatsNew/Fresh_XP_ ... /index.htm

This shows you how to create a clean windows CD using the \i386 directory that comes preloaded on your T41. I think you can use that to reinstall windows without overwriting your data (not certain though).

[firstep]

Thank you, Kenn! I will have a try.

http://www.4saad.com/WhatsNew/Fresh_XP_ ... /index.htm

This shows you how to create a clean windows CD using the \i386 directory that comes preloaded on your T41. I think you can use that to reinstall windows without overwriting your data (not certain though).

[egibbs]

Just be sure you have a good backup of your data before you start screwing around with Windows.

Chances are nothing bad will happen - but in case it does be safe.

Ed Gibbs

[none]

I am a little confused. So I need an OEM Windows CD, but not necessarily IBM's? For example, I can use Dell's Windows CD to repair Thinkpad's Windows? It sounds a litte weird.

Well if you get a Windows CD, you can just boot from it and select the repair option (not to be confused with it's preceeding recovery console option). Then you just use the product key on the bottom of your ThinkPad.

Only side note is that you need an OEM Windows CD, like the kind that usually come with new computers, not a retail boxed copy. It's because the license on your machine is OEM (original equipment manufacturer) too.

Yea, technically you could actually use Dell's CD.. Although it wouldn't be my first choice, since you might end up with Dell's drivers, bundled software, their logo in System Properties, etc... But the core files ARE still the same, XP is XP, so Dell's Windows is the same as IBM's, HPs, etc, when you take out the stuff that each one bundled.. What I meant is a Microsoft original OEM Windows disk, the kind that are usually sold by local computer shops with clone PCs.