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    Make a clean install of Vista

    Discussion in 'Windows OS and Software' started by Laursen, Aug 24, 2008.

  1. Laursen

    Laursen Notebook Consultant

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    I'm getting a new Lenovo ThinkPad T61 in a few days and to get rid of all the Lenovo bloatware and only install what I want, I want to make a clean install of Vista.

    But here's my question...

    The computer comes pre-installed with Vista Business and I don't know whether a Vista installation disc will be provided. But is it possible to use my Vista Business installation disc from my to-be-replaced ThinkPad T60 as long as I use the OEM registration key from my T61 ?

    Also, how do I find my T61 registration key ?

    Regards,
    Jakob Laursen
     
    Laursen, Aug 24, 2008
    #1
  2. vinumsv

    vinumsv MobileFreak™

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    You should find it below your laptop or Use Programs like Belarc Advisor to retrive your Product Key
     
    vinumsv, Aug 24, 2008
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  3. Laursen

    Laursen Notebook Consultant

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    ...and then I could use the new key with installation disc from my T60 ?
     
    Laursen, Aug 24, 2008
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  4. atbnet

    atbnet Notebook Prophet

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    Your product key will be located on the COA on the bottom of your laptop. Then you can use your T60 Vista DVD to reinstall.
     
    atbnet, Aug 25, 2008
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  5. Theros123

    Theros123 Web Designer & Developer

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    Just pop in your reformatting disk, let it install, and when it starts to install the drivers, pop it out and do a forced restart. That way, no bloatware or drivers are installed making sure it's a really clean install. Then proceed to do whatever you need to do.

    Also, when using a recovery/reformat disk that comes with a notebook, I don't believe you need the product key? I may be wrong on that one.
     
    Theros123, Aug 25, 2008
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  6. stewie

    stewie What the deuce?

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    When you receive your T61, backup the key using a tool called the ABR Utility.

    Take a look at this Lenovo Clean Install Guide, especially Step 3 on how to backup the key using the above tool.

    http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=144783

    :)
     
    stewie, Aug 25, 2008
    #6