X200 remove Vista and install XP

[ccharnell]

Hi there,

I need to get rid of Vista on my newly-purchased work computer. I require specific software for my work, so I need to install Windows XP. It's too bad that the downgrade isn't offered anymore!

How do I do this on the X200, which has no optical drive? I have an external DVD drive and a portable hard drive and flashcards. Is there a built-in folder on the HD containing all the files I will need?

The computer didn't ship with any software discs, including Windows Vista (I got the free Home basic since I knew I had to get rid of it).

Thanks,

Courtney

[shogun]

Well, to install Windows XP you will need a Windows XP cd of course.

Insert the Windows XP cd in your external optical drive. Set the boot order in the BIOS so that your external optical drive is boot up before your hard disk. Reboot and follow the instructions

[megaman603]

I got my x200 boot up by the Windows XP CD so as to install XP.

However, I got "Setup did not find any hard disk drives installed in your computer" msg and asked me to quit the setup.

Seems it couldn't recongnize my harddisk 

Anyone has a clue? 

Thanks~ 

[bgfspeedy]

Same problem for me.... does anyone have a clue how to solve this issue?

Thx for your support.....

bgfspeedy

[bgfspeedy]

I found the solution....

Go into you Bios (by clicking on F1 while booting) and go to "Config" -> "Serial ATA (SATA)" and amend type to "Compatibilty" mode.

Afterwards press F10 to save and exit.

Now you should be able to install XP.

Once XP is installed, do not amend SATA type to original one, this would lead to a boot error.

Cheers

bgspeedy

[Rumi]

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bgfspeedy wrote:

I found the solution....

Go into you Bios (by clicking on F1 while booting) and go to "Config" -> "Serial ATA (SATA)" and amend type to "Compatibilty" mode.

Afterwards press F10 to save and exit.

Now you should be able to install XP.

Once XP is installed, do not amend SATA type to original one, this would lead to a boot error.

Cheers

bgspeedy

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This solution works but however, I doubt it's the best solution because basically you're using old SATA drivers to run your Harddrive now.  Here's what I did.  You'll need another computer for this.

1. Get a Windows CD and copy the ISO to your PC.

2. Download nLite - Link

3. Download SATA Drivers - Link

4. Add Sata Drivers to your nLite Copy

5. Burn a Copy of this new Windows with Drivers.

6. You're set! No more BSOD.

Notes: The SATA drivers will unzip themselves in a folder make sure you pick the right one (9M).  Instruction on how to add drivers on nLite are pretty easy; add "Single Driver" (read their forums for more stuff you can do to your installation).

Now there's also a way to install windows via a USB key, however I don't suggest this method unless you have no other choice.  Same steps as 1 through 4 but follow this link: Link

[Soap]

Actually, since this is a montevina based machine, you need to start with a XP cd that is SP2 or higher.  You do need to go into the BIOS and change the SATA mode to Compatibility.  Once you have installed Windows XP, you need to download the IMSM driver from lenovo's website.  Once you have installed the IMSM package, go back into BIOS and change the SATA mode back to AHCI.

If you use an XP cd that is SP0 or SP1, you will blue screen on PCI.SYS.  If you don't change the SATA mode to compatibility, you will likely blue screen with a 07B error.

Good Luck!!

[ccharnell]

Thank you all for the advice!

With all of this, I will have a lot of info to pass on to the friend who is going to set this up for me.

YAY!

[jrinco11]

so it's not possible to do the XP installation using the ahci mode?  and it won't hurt anything to start in compatibility mode ,then install the intel storage matrix drivers, THEN just switch it back to ahci in the bios?

I've tried using the drivers at http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site.wss/document.do?lndocid=MIGR-70477 , and tried all 4 options, and all result in the bsod when trying to install xp

thanks in advance!

[crisdean]

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jrinco11 wrote:

so it's not possible to do the XP installation using the ahci mode?  and it won't hurt anything to start in compatibility mode ,then install the intel storage matrix drivers, THEN just switch it back to ahci in the bios?

I've tried using the drivers at http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site.wss/document.do?lndocid=MIGR-70477 , and tried all 4 options, and all result in the bsod when trying to install xp

thanks in advance!

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You could add the driver during the setup whilst pressing F6. Be aware that you would need an USB floppy or a USB harddisk in order to install the driver via F6. CDs and USB sticks won't work.