Three (3) general questions on ThinkPad's

[alofano]

I have three (3) general questions on ThinkPad's.

1) What are the three (3) most likely components to fail ?
2) Is there any way of bypassing the BIOS p/w ? Admin note: Not to be discussed per forum rules
3) Some laptops has different choices of o/s's. Why can't we use one RnR & Recovery CD's for another model ? Example of my train of thought is ... on T60's we have some models that came Vista COA and some models that came with XP COA. Why can't I use the RnR & Recovery CD's having Win XP on the T60 model having the Vista COA and vise-versa ? Is there some codes somewhere that prevents this ? Admin note: Because Microsoft's licensing terms would be violated

[j-dawg]

1) Depends on model. As with any computer, your hard drive - one of the only moving parts - is the most likely, pretty much across the board. Otherwise, different models have their different flaws.

2) Dunno about this one.

3) You can indeed swap around recovery discs to install different OSes. Bear in mind: even if you have a disc, you do not necessarily have a license. If your computer was not shipped with a Vista COA, for example, you could install Vista on it using the recovery discs, but it would technically be an illegal copy.

That said, the situation with Vista and XP is more complicated, as Microsoft offered a downgrade option to manufacturers. Thus, it might be fair game to install XP on a 'Pad that came with a Vista license. If you have an OEM copy (ie the computer came from the factory with Vista) of Vista Business or Ultimate, you're good. If you have a non-OEM version (eg an upgrade or a retail copy) or you have any form of Vista Basic, Vista Home, or Vista Home Premium, you are not eligible an for XP downgrade. Complicated, I know, but that's what the man says.

If you've got an XP license and you install Vista using the discs, it's illegal. If your Thinkpads came with Vista Business or Vista Ultimate installed from the factory, it's within the terms of your license to downgrade to XP Pro. If you do play fast and loose with your OSes and licenses, nobody will come burn down your house and shoot your dog, but you should be aware that it's potentially illegal.

[alofano]

Thanks for the feedback, very kind. I was expecting more feedback from others ... I guess another one of my dump questions. Thanks j-dawg.