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    Creating Vista recovery discs without ThinkVantage?

    Discussion in 'Lenovo' started by undertone, Dec 7, 2008.

  1. undertone

    undertone Newbie

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    I got my T61p a year ago and didn't create the backup discs when I got it. My bad. Now I want to replace the hard drive in the laptop and need the OS files. I tried running it today and it won't work. When I called tech support, they told me I'd waited too long (although couldn't tell me how long exactly was too long) and that my only option now is to pay the $50 to have them send me the cds.

    Can I create my own discs without using their software? I'd like to do a clean install as detailed in the forums here so all I really need is Vista (I have Vista Ultimate). Would something like [ oops, I can't link but if you google "create windows vista installation disc," it's the first result on the simplehelp site ] work? Or is my only option either to purchase the cds or find someone who has them?
     
    undertone, Dec 7, 2008
    #1
  2. Ramsey

    Ramsey Notebook Enthusiast

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    all you need is any Vista DVD bro and you're good to clean install I believe :)
     
    Ramsey, Dec 8, 2008
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  3. ZaZ

    ZaZ Super Model Super Moderator

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    Is it still under warranty? If it is, I'd put a stink to see if that gets you anything.

    Why won't it work?

    You might want to post over on ThinkPads.com. Someone over there may have a set the could send you.
     
    ZaZ, Dec 8, 2008
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  4. undertone

    undertone Newbie

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    The machine is under warranty, maybe I'll call back and see if I can get someone more helpful.

    What happens is when I run the "create recovery media," it says it's extracting the information and to please wait...and never does anything else.

    I appreciate your answers, thank you! One more question...any idea whether the backup discs from another computer, same model, can be used to clean install on mine and then again if that user were to need them?
     
    undertone, Dec 8, 2008
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  5. Matt

    Matt Notebook Deity

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    I think that would depend on how similar your configurations are. Obviously if the other computer has different hardware, it will have different drivers. (And recovery media is just OS + drivers + Lenovo pre-loaded software, right?)
     
    Matt, Dec 8, 2008
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  6. ZaZ

    ZaZ Super Model Super Moderator

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    Typically, if your machine type is say 2373-94B, the recovery discs for any machine that starts with 2373 will work.
     
    ZaZ, Dec 8, 2008
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  7. superduty

    superduty Notebook Consultant

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    If it is under warranty and you cant get the Thinkvantage to work to create a set of disks or to restore the system, then they should send you a set for free. They did for me....after some time with tech support on the phone they felt my original backup was corrupt.
     
    superduty, Dec 8, 2008
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