New Users Do This! Backup media instructions.
2010-06-05, 20:01 PM
Since Lenovo didn't really provide us with this information, I decided to write it down myself. Every new Thinkpad user needs to do these steps. Lenovo should really include an instruction sheet for this in the box. I'm sure many users never create these backup disks.
My process took 2 blank CDs and 2 blank DVDs and nearly 1 hour to comlete.
ONE. Go to ThinkVantage tools, then select Factory Recovery Disks. The first step writes a "Recovery Media - Boot Media". It will easily fit on 1 CD and takes just a few minutes. Once complete it will finish and eject the CD and ask you to provide another blank disc for step TWO. The software doesn't offer much explanation, but I assume this is a boot disc that will boot to a simple recovery menu.
TWO. The second step .. After that boot media CD is ejected it will ask you to provide another blank CD or DVD. I recommend using DVDs for this step. I've read this will consume 7-10 CDs. I used DVDs and it took 2 of them. It wrote the first DVD and promted me to insert another. It wrote to the 2nd DVD and gave me the complete message. This step TWO took about 45 minutes. Again, the software doesn't offer much explanation, but I assume these DVDs are the recovery copy of Windows.
THREE. Once all that is done, go back to ThinkVantage tools, then select "Enhanced Backup & Restore". Then Select "Launch advanced R&R" by clicking the arrow in the lower left corner. Then select "Create Rescue Media". According to the description "this will enable you to access the ThinkVantage R&R even if you can't boot windows". I assume this is another boot disc, which might be identical to what you made in step ONE. Or maybe it is a slightly different version with the ThinkVantage stuff added. Whatever it is, make it anyway, you might need it later. It easily fits on one CD.
And then you're done! Label your discs and store them in a safe place!.
Lenovo should have their tech experts and lawyers write up a better version and include a printed copy in every box. It's a pretty important process that every new user should immediately complete in my opinion.