X61s - How do i reinstall WinXP

[nwaozuzu]

Hi,

     I have a new Lenovo x61s with Win XP Pro - I have just discovered that there is a rootkit on the system and i need to reinstall the OS - How do i go about this? The system didnt come with a Win XP CD

[geokirk]

If you have the Lenovo Recovery CDs there are 6 that comprise XP Pro, but to not indicate it at all. I assume you do not have a backuup. So you start with the Restore Cd which creates the first partions and then move on to as directed. Beware that sometimes it will say load disc 1, which may really need disc two. You will get an error and can change without losing anything. You may also have a supplemental disc, which contains some applications. The restore process will tell you when.

That is all there is to it, if everything is normal.

[nwaozuzu]

Hi geokirk - Thanks for the response - my x61s didnt come with no CDs - i went thru the thinkvantage button to reinstall the OS bcos my anti-virus was finding a rootkit - was able to do this but then the rootkit is still on the system - it seems like this has come from the factory with the rootkit installed

[geokirk]

From the sounds of it, your “rootkit” on the system is accessed by the Blue ThinkVantage button and is Thinkpad’s Rescue and Recovery partition. I believe that partition is only 5GB or less and does not contain the actual OS. Although you could try Select Restore your system, choose the "factory state" .

Check out “How to use the pre-boot service partition to recover your software” …  Rescue and Recovery v3.01.0037
http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site.wss/document.do?sitestyle=lenovo&lndocid=MIGR-62564
For systems preloaded with Windows XP or Vista, you can do a custom factory restore using this neat tool: Base Software Administrator.

Boot into the Rescue & Recovery partition  http://forums.lenovo.com/lnv/board/message?board.id=Special_Interest_Windows&message.id=4&query.id=5...

You may need to get either an OEM XP Pro CD or order a Product Recovery CD or DVD:
 http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site.wss/document.do?sitestyle=lenovo&lndocid=MIGR-4M7HWZ

I ordered the  CD’s and Vista too. Good Luck.

[nwaozuzu]

Hi geokirk - i did use rescue and recovery option that came up after i pressed the blue thinkvantage button as the system was booting up - i restored the system to the original factory setting but still a root kit was found after a virus scan with bitdefender - microsoft's rootkit revealer also found a rootkit

[geokirk]

Take a look at  http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?p=440836&sid=4110362585897a5e6d157b57424a30e9. Also search google with thinkpad x61 rootkit revealer . Alternatively just deletethe C: partion and a new one will be created.

[nwaozuzu]

Hi geokirk,

                   What happens after i delete the C partition - what next as i dont have any OS Cds? I did try Nod32 and i guess its not as good because it didnt find any rootkit

[geokirk]

If you run restore system to factory settings it should take care of everything.

Press the ThinkVantage button at boot and then select reinstall the entire system to factory settings and hopefully installing a new copy of XP to it. If XP is in the Recovery and Rescue you will be OK. See "IBM (Lenovo) ThinkPad Recovery CD" http://www.mydigitallife.info/2006/01/18/ibm-lenovo-thinkpad-recovery-cd/comment-page-1/

If not you will need to order the CDs for $45 and if you don't have a Cd reader buy a USB drive.
See "Re: X61 Tablet, NO RECOVERY / OS CDs": http://forums.lenovo.com/lnv/board/message?board.id=X_Series_Thinkpads&thread.id=1951

[nwaozuzu]

I think i do need the cds because rrbackups is infected - when u say external USB drive - how am i gonna use this with the CD?

[geokirk]

If you have a cd player with you Lenovo x61s, than you have all you need.

If not, you can add a ThinkPlus USB 2.0 CD-RW/DVD-ROM Combo II Drive Part number: 40Y8637 or a USB driven Cd player that will work.

Better *this is what I have) but much more money and may be too much A ThinkPad X6 UltraBase Part number: 40Y8116 and one of the following:
 
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•   ThinkPad 8X Max DVD-ROM Ultrabay Slim Drive ThinkPad 8X Max DVD-ROM Ultrabay Slim Drive
   
    ThinkPad CD-RW/DVD-ROM Combo II Ultrabay Slim Drive ThinkPad CD-RW/DVD-ROM Combo II Ultrabay Slim Drive
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