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    Clean install guide for XP

    Discussion in 'Lenovo' started by Ender17, Aug 24, 2007.

  1. Ender17

    Ender17 Notebook Enthusiast

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    I've seen a bunch of clean install guides for Vista, is there one for XP?
     
    Ender17, Aug 24, 2007
    #1
  2. ZaZ

    ZaZ Super Model Super Moderator

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    Set the hard drive to compatibility mode and follow the prompts. The drivers and apps will be located in the SWTools folder. You should save a copy before you start and burn off the recovery CDs.
     
    ZaZ, Aug 24, 2007
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  3. Ender17

    Ender17 Notebook Enthusiast

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    well I was planning to replace the stock hard drive with a 7K200
     
    Ender17, Aug 24, 2007
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  4. t1mmer

    t1mmer Notebook Evangelist

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    Do you need to have a driver for the ethernet port? I plan on following Johnny's guide, but in order to use the ThinkVantage program you need to have a net connection...but I don't know where to download the ethernet driver (if you need to.)
     
    t1mmer, Aug 24, 2007
    #4
  5. ZaZ

    ZaZ Super Model Super Moderator

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    You set the drive to compatibility mode in the bios not on the drive.
     
    ZaZ, Aug 25, 2007
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  6. TPA

    TPA Notebook Evangelist

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    do you mean clean install with offline activation?

    are you familiar with n-lite?
     
    TPA, Aug 25, 2007
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  7. hunts4--bargin

    hunts4--bargin Notebook Consultant

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    I have followed the sticky directions (option A), but have not achieved the desired result. I have a new T-61 and really want my system to run with less in the backround...73 items currently. The only think i really want to work is the fingerprint reader....So I'm looking for the "sterile" XP install. The only problem with Option A on the sticky is that you really cant tell what to turn on/make optional...its hit or miss, if you miss, the system sputters and another 60 minute reload! If your too conservative, too much bloat!

    Will turning on compatibily mode and following prompts method help my situatiion?
     
    hunts4--bargin, Aug 26, 2007
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  8. TPA

    TPA Notebook Evangelist

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    I just posted a clean install guide for xp pro. Link should be in my signature.
    this is only one method, not useful for option A
     
    TPA, Aug 26, 2007
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  9. hunts4--bargin

    hunts4--bargin Notebook Consultant

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    Thank you, very detail instruction- thanks. BTW, when you say I need a XPPRo disk, I believe you are referring to a retail installation disk or OEM disk (from the good ol days when they gave them to you)...? I do have the 2 dvd's made from the T61 (recovery) but Im sure you not talking about them. I have heard that it is possible to create a win xp installation disk from the i386 directory....have you heard of this ? I hope you have as I don't have an original xp pro disk to use, don't really want to buy one.
     
    hunts4--bargin, Aug 26, 2007
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  10. TPA

    TPA Notebook Evangelist

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    yes, those disks are the correct ones.

    I've heard about the I386 thing, I've never done it and have never seen instructions on how to do it. so I can't help there.
     
    TPA, Aug 26, 2007
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  11. hunts4--bargin

    hunts4--bargin Notebook Consultant

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    In theory, if I were to "borrow" a friends disk, but use my OEM key to activate...that should work. Practically speaking only, not trying to acertain the legality of this potential method.

    Do you think a SP1 disk would activate with a SP2 key?
     
    hunts4--bargin, Aug 26, 2007
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  12. TPA

    TPA Notebook Evangelist

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    never tried that either.

    You could try using nlite to integrate sp2 and burning a disk. Then you will have a sp2 disk to use with the sp2 key.
    If it is not possible, all that will happen is that it will not activate and you will have to try something else.
     
    TPA, Aug 26, 2007
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  13. hunts4--bargin

    hunts4--bargin Notebook Consultant

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    hunts4--bargin, Aug 26, 2007
    #13