Vista with XP Downgrade and no recovery discs - how do I create recovery discs? [ Edited ]

[seattlenerd]

Interesting -- I also purchased the Windows Vista Business (sticker that says so on the bottom of the T61) with the pre-loaded downgrade to Windows XP Professional.

I created Product Recovery discs, as the OP was advised, but didn't notice any indication during the creation process whether these were for the Windows XP Professional that was preinstalled, the Windows Vista Business (which is licensed and has a sticker on the bottom of the T61), or both. Anyone know?

And if it's only for XP, then how does one get Windows Vista Business media to which the license applies?

Message Edited by Tim_Lenovo on 09-15-2008 06:12 PM

[zackd]

I have the same issue- came preloaded with XP, no indication of how to upgrade to business. I called Lenovo and spoke to someone but they seemed to have no idea what I was talking about. I'll try to get someone more knowledgeable tomorrow.

[Tim_Lenovo]

Edited to remove incorrect information. Please see thread solution.

Message Edited by Tim_Lenovo on 11-17-2008 02:42 PM

[wjli2]

whoa this is handy, but make sure it is well documentated, otherwise so many people will be confused like hell.

[seattlenerd]

While this is extremely helpful, I concur that this is not going to be obvious to anyone who buys the downgrade. I'd hope Lenovo either inserts something into the electronic documentation for such purchases or at least has it available as a tech note or support bulletin whenever someone does a support search or looks up their own machine type on the Lenovo site.

That said, thanks.

[awolfe63]

Guess what.  It didn't work.

I have a W500 with a Vista Business COA and a preloaded downgrade to XP pro.  I burned my XP pro disks.  Then I booted to rescue and restore. (via the blue button).  I restored the factory image. I got a brand-spanking new XP pro installation.

Has anyone done this sucessfully?

[Agotthelf]

Hello awolfe63,

Your are not alone, some members of thinkpad-forum.de also have the same experience.

No Vista, just XP recovery options,
either from R&R Cd´s/DVD`S or hddpartition.

One member asked his retailer in regard of this problem, cause Lenovo Hotline tells they won´t be able to

ship Vista recovery disks, the retailer said, that we´ll have to wait for an answer,

from Lenovo.

Regards

Andreas

Message Edited by Agotthelf on 09-21-2008 10:10 AM

[Tim_Lenovo]

Hi folks,

That sure is a confusing turn of events. Could you tell me how you purchased your system, as well as your system MTM (XXXX-XXX format on white sticker on bottom of system)? Thanks

[seattlenerd]

Is it best to provide you with the machine-specific information by PM?

[Tim_Lenovo]

MTM information is generic and safe to share, feel free to post here. If you want to PM me your serial number (listed next to your MTM), that may help in case we need to dig deeper on this. Thanks