returning to Windows XP

[hertfordnc]

I wiped out my hard drive and tried installing XP.

WIthout all the IBM specific stuff it was useless, couldn't find WIFI etc.

So, i installed Ubuntu and never looked back

But now I really need a version of windows running on the laptop.

I looked for a torrent but nothing looked obvious.

Can someone point me in the right direction? Obiously I don't have a rescue disk and I wiped out the hidden partition.

thanks

Dave

[Harryc]

If you're asking us to point you to a free version of XP forget that..won't happen here. If you are looking for a set of recovery discs for a T41 I am selling a set. Send me a PM or details. http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=93925

[hertfordnc]

Not asking anyone to anything illegal (at least, not in a public forum)

Is buying a recovery disk the only solution? silly me, i figured that if the laptop came with it and it only works on that laptop and the XP license is sold by Microsoft, then IBM would make it available.

I have a legit version of XP, will a thinkpad recovery disk add the necessary drivers?

Or is there a webiste or a thread that addresses each of the little problem that come with putting XP back on a wiped hard disk?

thanks

Dave

[Neil]

Hi Dave,

Your own copy of XP should work fine. Just install dotnet framework and System Update, which will pull in all the drivers, tools, etc. from Lenovo. Then you can choose what you want to install from a list. It's almost automagic!

[billp117]

Don't forget to plug in an ethernet cable to get online...

[Temetka]

IMO the recovery discs are worthless.

The version of XP they do come with is outdated and we all know there about a bajillion various programs and utilities otherwise known as bloatware included with the recovery discs. The easy solution is to purchase an OEM copy of Windows XP. Install it and use the license key on the bottom of your laptop. Make sure you purchase the same version of Windows that the key on the bottom of the laptop indicates. It will state either XP Professional or XP Home Edition.

Then install the .NET client available from Microsoft and Software Update from Lenovo.

In about an hour and a half you will have a clean, lean and fast OS ready for use.

[Bibin]

I don't see why you don't just go out and buy a fresh copy of XP, or ask MicroSoft for an OEM copy (if you tell them the license on the bottom, they should give you a disc which will work) and then simply download the drivers and install them yourselves? The OEM IBM copy of XP is horribly bloated and slow, anyway.

You shouldn't have to purchase an OEM copy of XP; technically all you purchase is the registration key on the little sticker, and you already own that.

[craigmontHunter]

If you have acces to another computer with a factory load of xp pro, there should be an i386 folder on the harddrive. using something like nlite, you are able to build a recovery disk that will accept the key on the bottom of the laptop. if it is a lenovo system, then you can use the slp key, so that you do not need to activate. Unfortunatly you cannot just get a copy of xp if you have the lisence (or vista - I decided to upgrade my laptop yesterday to x64 - it is great) - you had to get the disk when you bought the system.

[fmilovanov]

hertfordnc - this is pretty trivial. Go to torrents, download any XP ISO. Unpack it. Download nLite, run it and somewhere in "unattended" section enter your Windows key from the back of the laptop. Then download drivers/soft from IBM/Lenovo site and install them.

I've done this at least couple of time with my T43, I've done exactly the same with newly purchased X200s (it came with Win 7). Yes, it's a bit longer than installing from genuine restore disk, but it's by far not a rocket science.

[Temetka]

If you have access to another computer with a factory load of xp pro, there should be an i386 folder on the hard drive. using something like nlite, you are able to build a recovery disk that will accept the key on the bottom of the laptop. if it is a Lenovo system, then you can use the slp key, so that you do not need to activate. Unfortunately you cannot just get a copy of xp if you have the license (or vista - I decided to upgrade my laptop yesterday to x64 - it is great) - you had to get the disk when you bought the system.

He can buy an OEM copy of XP and assuming his license is for XP, it will work just fine. I have 1 OEM CD I use to restore all my laptops (with licenses) and it has never been a problem. There won't be any drivers installed, but that is a trivial matter. Just go to the Lenovo download sections, install system update and the .NET client and let it do its thing.

[pjk]

He can buy an OEM copy of XP and assuming his license is for XP, it will work just fine. I have 1 OEM CD I use to restore all my laptops (with licenses) and it has never been a problem. There won't be any drivers installed, but that is a trivial matter. Just go to the Lenovo download sections, install system update and the .NET client and let it do its thing.

If that OEM disk doesn't have drivers on it for the Lenovo ethernet or WiFi card, you won't be able to go online to download much of anything.

[ajkula66]

pjk wrote:

If that OEM disk doesn't have drivers on it for the Lenovo ethernet or WiFi card, you won't be able to go online to download much of anything.

Since we're discussing a T41 here, the drivers for Intel LAN card are included in XP SP2 and later, retail version.

That being said, having these drivers separately on an USB drive or CD is always a good idea...