Installing another OS - having some troubles

[nwillems]

Hello

I'm new to this forum - and have been trying to look around for an answer.

I would like to install Linux on my brand new T410, but I would also like to keep some sort of windows(To be able to install BIOS updates and so).

But I have stumbled across some issues:

1. I can do without the Lenovo Recovery partition, but what is the SYSTEM_DRV?

2. I would like to have Linux lying first thing on my hard drive, so I will have to install windows over, how can I get a windows install CD? And where is my license key?

As you have guessed my windows install will only be minimal - but it sort of annoys me, that I have nothing here.

Thanks in advance

Nicolai W.

ps: I'm a bit in doubt about what should be contained with my laptop, I just received the laptop and the power supply, no manuals or the like, is this correct?

[cche0691]

Hi nwillems,

1. SYSTEM_DRV contains boot loader for Rescue and Recovery Interface. If you install Linux even with custom bootloader, you will lost the ability of Recovery

2. License COA is located at bottom of your machine. If you can't find it, please remove battery.

Please note that recovery using Lenovo's recovery CD does erase ALL partitions and system will auto detect license from motherboard. There's no need to key in license key. If your machine does not built with Windows (there's some special model does not come with Windows), then you will not able to activate Windows, that means you'll have to install your own.

Fred

[zoltanthegypsy]

Hi Nicolai,

If your machine is licensed for windows, you can download and install the same version from this resource.  Use the license key in the battery compartment.  You may need to call Microsoft to complete activation.

Legal Resources for Downloading Windows 7

<unsolicited opinion> Since a windows install will overwrite the MBR, I've always found it easier to just install windows first, and linux 2nd, and let the linux installer sort the boot loader. </opinion>

If you pre-create 4 primary partitions (maybe with non-NTFS or FAT IDs ??) you should be able to force the windows install into a single parition, rather than boot and C partitions.

Z.