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    Install Windows 7 on a Freedos Thinkpad ?

    Discussion in 'Lenovo' started by tunsty, Aug 19, 2011.

  1. tunsty

    tunsty Notebook Enthusiast

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    Hello,

    I'm going to buy a T520 soon and I've got the possibility to buy it without any OS (or Freedos maybe) which is cheaper.
    As I am a student, I've got access to Windows 7 Professional for free.

    I'm sure I will be able to install this copy of windows on a new thinkpad but will I be able to get the Lenovo softwares ? I've never owned any Thinkpad before but I've heard they have some management software (like for the battery). How can I get these softwares ?

    Thanks :)
     
    tunsty, Aug 19, 2011
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  2. richan90

    richan90 Notebook Consultant

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    You can download everything off Lenovo's website. Just look for Support/Drivers/Software for Thinkpads.
     
    richan90, Aug 19, 2011
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  3. Tsunade_Hime

    Tsunade_Hime such bacon. wow

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    Depends on the license of Windows 7. You cannot install "Upgrade" version on a blank drive, only OEM and retail copies.

    You can download all Lenovo ThinkVantage software off Support site or order them from Lenovo. You will not be able to install Rescue and Recovery unless you have an intact recovery partition.
     
    Tsunade_Hime, Aug 19, 2011
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  4. tunsty

    tunsty Notebook Enthusiast

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    That's a good news if I can download all the software from Lenovo's website.

    My Windows is a retail version downloaded from my MSDNAA student account, it's an ISO like a retail CD.

    Tsunade_Hime, when you say "You will not be able to install Rescue and Recovery unless you have an intact recovery partition", do you think it's really a problem ? I backup my files regularly on an external hard drive.
     
    tunsty, Aug 19, 2011
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  5. mswlogo

    mswlogo Notebook Consultant

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    You don't need the recovery. It's for folks that would not know how to install it from scratch and install all the drivers.

    You can also install Think Vantage which is like windows update for all the lenovo stuff. You can pick and choose what you want.
     
    mswlogo, Aug 20, 2011
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  6. tunsty

    tunsty Notebook Enthusiast

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    Thank you very much for your answers.

    I just wanted to be sure I could have access to Leveno's software even if I don't buy the Freedos Thinkpad.
     
    tunsty, Aug 20, 2011
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  7. Tsunade_Hime

    Tsunade_Hime such bacon. wow

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    I know how to install drivers but recovery partition makes life a whole lot easier. Plus have you ever tried to download ALL of ThinkVantage crap? Takes a LONG time. Besides I prefer the factory image over some generic Windows 7 install. Lenovo usually does a good job with factory images, unlike HP/Compaq/Acer/eMachines/Gateway/Toshiba.
     
    Tsunade_Hime, Aug 20, 2011
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