I can't figure out how to create the recovery disks :S

Sorry if this has been asked before.. I know someone did but I cannot find it..so basically I bought a T400 with Windows 7 pre installed on it, I tried to install a fresh copy on my SSD and used the key but it didn't work and microsoft asked me to pay 59$ to activate it when I called them.. I called Lenovo and they said I have to buy the recovery cds and it will take a while until I get them..

So I have no clue how to create a recovery disk to install a factory default OS.. I know I can create an image of the system that I have but I don't want to.. I rather a factory default install since I am not the one who installed the OS and I don't like to use previously installed OS since I don't know what has been on it...

Is there a way to create those disks from the rescue and recovery and recover my computer to the original state ( not the image) and install it on my SSD.. or is there a way to restore the computer to a factory install then create an image and put it on my SSD?

 

sounds like the recovery partition on the machine was removed.

Do you have the windows 7 sticker under the laptop?

 

no.. it has Windows vista on the sticker but I am running Windows 7 ( lenovo oem) I bought it refurbished

 

You can simply do a clean install of Vista and use the key you already have and then download & install all necessary drivers off the Lenovo site. They will likely send recovery CDs which would contain Vista since as far as I am aware, the T400 was never supplied with Windows 7.

 

Yea but vista sux lol they offered to send me free vista cds.. so the only option is to clone the original windows and dumb it in the SSD right?

 

Well, you could use this utility KeyFinder to find out the actual Windows 7 product key and in case it's a legit one you will be able to re-install Windows 7 and then activate using that key (or if you don't want to activate via phone, use OpaTool to install the Lenovo OEM certificate + the key). That's it.

 

I tried the first option yesterday and I actually called Microsoft but they said they cannot reactivate it because its a Lenovo OEM Windows 7 .. so I called Lenovo and they said they cannot unless I pay for the disks.. I will try the opa tool as I never heard abt it.

Thanks

 

Which part number/ Lenovo OEM CD/DVD did you get? I am wondering why it wont activate again?

 

I think it was 2768.. I didn't get any CD/DVD withit but it came preloaded with Windows 7 ultimate 64 but the sticker on it says Windows Vista ( Lenovo offered to send me a vista edition)

I think when they refurbish them.. they use the manufacture DVD for Windows 7 so it activates since it is a Lenovo but if you try to activate again ( using an original copy with the serial number that I pulled using the keyfinder) it won't... Microsoft told me they cannot activate it unless I pay them 59$ and I have to call Lenovo.. I called Lenovo and they asked for 59$ too .. the moment I try to activate it, it asks me if I want to purchase a new key or change the key or contact support.. I had to look for their number

if I can get a Lenovo Windows 7 DVD then I think I can install it but there is noway to find one..

 

I don't see any problem.. if it's a legit OEM version then you just retrieve its product key using the Keyfinder on your existing system and then install the same edition with the same language (you can find legal links on this site) and do activation via Microsoft phone activation in your country - this is how it usually works for OEM activation. But if it's some leaked / pirated version then yes, you have to buy it.

 

There are some sites that sell these Disks for cheaper.
Cant remember the name/ part number.. I remember reading up on it few days back.

Here you go:
IBM Lenovo Thinkpad Windows 7 Enhanced Experience - Upgrade DVDs - IBM FRU PN 57Y2737, 57Y2650

If you do end up getting it, do let me know how it worked out.