R61i - Installed Windows XP home now no internet

[dad_the_geek]

Help! My son got a Lenova R61i from a college friend with nothing on it. I loaded my Windows XP Home Edition v.5.1SP2. no drivers are listed....no internet...what do I do to make it work? I also loaded my microsoft Ofiice...opens all files (word, excel etc.) but I need to activate it in 30 days....but no internet. Any help would be appreciated.

[GMAC-R60 Retired Guru]

you can get the drivers here http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site.wss/document.do?lndocid=MIGR-67856  I would start here http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site.wss/document.do?sitestyle=lenovo&lndocid=MIGR-66956download this then run it it should download everything you need

[dad_the_geek]

Ok, thanks. I downloaded the file as instructed but when I double-click on the .exe file I get the following error "System Update Instashield Wizard (window) ThinkVantage System Update could not find a supported .NET framework".       Now what do I do? thanks in advance for your help.....

[GMAC-R60 Retired Guru]

go here http://www.microsoft.com/net/Download.aspx they are on the left bottom of the page

[GMAC-R60 Retired Guru]

you can go here http://www.thinkpadrecoverycds.com/home.html and get recovery cd set for about $35. vs $55. from lenovo and restore it to factory condition

[dad_the_geek]

Ok, so i tried intalling .NET 3.5, and of course I need to install 3.1 first. Downloaded to a thumbdrive and installed on computer. When i double clicked it it was trying to coonect to server? I do not have internet connection, so how do I start all this...ugh..I am not computer savy.

[dad_the_geek]

Ok, I went to the recovery disk website to order disks, do I need to do anything to my laptop prior to installing the new disks? I mean, I have installed Windows XP Home Edition and Microsoft works. The disk I ordered for my Lenova 7650-DHU is coming with Windoes XP Professional.

[GMAC-R60 Retired Guru]

just make sure in the bios is set to boot the cd drive first turn it off after opening the cd tray place the startup disc in turn it on it will load to the recovery screen it will tell you when to put the next disc in . you will get directions with the disc . it may ask you to press any key to boot to this cd when you start