Got an X41 tablet w/no OS or disks...need setup help

[gp-clipper]

Hi,

I just found your forum and hope that someone can give me some advice. I just got an X41 tablet with no operating system or system recovery CD's. The laptop is a 1.6 ghz version with 60 GB HD, 1.5 GB RAM, and 8 cell battery. I also have the docking station with a CD-RW/DVD drive. The laptop is a Type 1866-6SU.

I do have a copy of Windows XP Pro (non-tablet version) that I was going to load onto the X41, but wasn't sure of other drivers, etc. that would be needed. From what I could find on the web, I should load XP onto the laptop and then acquire a Recovery CD to load the tablet drivers, etc. I was going to get a copy of Windows 7 upgrade to put on the tablet if my XP will work on the system.

My questions:

1. Can I load XP Pro or do I need a tablet version of the OS? If I can use XP Pro, can I get tablet software from Microsoft ( I found some free stuff there)?

2. Will the IBM recovery CD give me the drivers needed to use the tablet features? Can the CD be downloaded from IBM or other recommeded source?

3. There is a large list of downloads and drivers on the IBM X41 tablet page. Which ones are most important?....Is there one general update file for all of them (like a service pack)?

Thanks, Gary

[sjthinkpader]

Welcome to the forum.

You want to install the correct WindowsXP 2003 Tablet Edition R&R directly on your blank drive. Just put a WTB or LF ad in the Market Place.

I think Windows7 will install Tablet specific functions but I am not sure.

[control]

I'm not sure about the legalities of what I did, so if anyone has any objections, just say so and I will edit it out.

I was in the same boat as you, except I didn't even have an optical drive, but that's not important. The one I bought did have an intact WinXP Tablet COA sticker under the laptop, I just needed the install disks. I found an IBM OEM Windows XP ISO online, which is great since I can change the Product Key to that of the sticker, and then I can activate, with Windows Update as well as Windows Genuine Advantage checks fully working. Only problem was the lack of Tablet support, which kinda defeats the purpose. So a quick google told me it was possible to convert Windows Xp to Windows XP Tablet Edition and even gave all needed instructions and files. Quick tweaking with n-lite, burnt to dvd with the added files (too big for cd), reinstall and voila! IBM OEM Windows Xp Tablet Edition disc!

Edit: Win7 does install Tablet Functions, so does Vista for that matter, no Aero though and everything is still slightly smoother with XP.

[astroidea]

Win7 works awesome for me. I get full tablet functionality.
Drivers all work great. http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... 67100.html

[gp-clipper]

Unfortunately, my copy of XP Pro is not the tablet version. I was hoping to get the tablet functionality from either the drivers or Windows 7 upgrade. I'd like to stay just with Pro and then migrate to Windows 7 when it becomes available if it will get me tablet functionality..

Any advice on where to get the recovery CD and do I need it? IBM says that you have to call their center. I'd rather download if possible. I have a regular desktop that I can work from while I get the X41 up and running.

Thanks