Recovery CDs not usable?

Hello,
I will install Win XP Prof on my Thinkpad T61p. I will do it with the recovery CDs from Lenovo, but now I heard that this is not the good way to do it.
Why should the recovery CDs not be usable? I have installed two times Win XP on my notebook and always with the recovery CDs. Sure on the recovery CDs is a lot of garbage, e.g. Symantec, but after the installation you can deinstall this.
How should I install Win XP prof without the recovery CDs? I have an Win XP Prof setup CD from my old PC, but this will end in trouble with the installation (because it's a notebook) and the nice Lenovo Tools are not included.

Helveticus wrote:
Why should the recovery CDs not be usable?
They are very usable.
Some people just like to complain about things that don't exactly fit their personal world view.
Cheers,
Bill
I don't work for Lenovo

Similar Messages

Are 2002 Recovery CDs Still Usable

Will be giving my 2002 Windows XP 1410-S173 Satellite laptop to someone. Would like to clean personal files and information from hard disc before doing this but still keep all programs working. I have 3 recovery CDs that came with it when I bought it. Can these still be used to clean the hard drive or have there been too many updates over the years of use for them to still work. I tried to download and run Disk Wipe to accomplish cleaning my files off the XP computer but it would not run. I am not 100% sure why but think it has something to do with trying to clean the c drive but the c drive has the system files on it so the Disk Wipe software won't work. Not sure that is correct but if it is I don't know what to do about it. Thought perhaps the recovery disks might accomplish the same thing. Thanks for any help or other suggestions. I use IE browser most of the time and Firefox some of the time, if that matters.
Red21
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They will still work just fine. You'll just need to install a lot of Windows updates. If you don't have a fast internet connection you might want to go to a local library to see if they have faster connection to download all of the windows updates which will probably be several hundred mb's in size.
If you don't post your COMPLETE model number it's very difficult to assist you. Please try to post in complete sentences with punctuation, capitals, and correct spelling. Toshiba does NOT provide any direct support in these forums. All support is User to User in their spare time.

T43 recovery CDs not working

Hi,
My T43 has pre-installed winXP and later I added a Linux system using Sussie Linux installation CD. I am happy with the dual boot as it is always working fine.
Now I wish to remove the Linux system to get more space for my Windows. It has about 40G HD, 25G for windows. So I tried to use the product recovery CDs came along with the laptop. Here are my trials:
1. Use the blue "Access IBM" button at boot time to enter the "rescure and recovery" window, and try the option "restore to factory content". But it tells me this function has been removed.
2. Use the product recovery CDs. I cannot find the bootable "rescure and recovery" CD as suggested by the accompanying guide, but only 6 "product recovery CDs". So I used the CD#1 and it is bootable. After I entered a window and answered "yes I want back the factory content", it started the product recovery process. But, just after 1 second, it tells me the product recovery process is done and need to reboot.Ofcourse nothing is changed in my laptop.
Can anyone help me? Thanks a lot.
Violet

zerofire0 wrote:
"Based on what has been stated you have effectivly removed all ability to recover back to the factory configuration. You may have also violated your warrenty at the same time. It is not possible to place that partition back."
Absolutely NONE of this is true.
a) You can ALWAYS recover the partition using the restore disks, if the hard disk itself is OK.
b) No one has ever voided the warranty on any IBM or Lenovo unit by wiping the drive, or installing a different operating system. Unless the hard drive itself is the problem, you're not even required to send it in when the machine goes for a repair. Even if you were to send it in with Linux, it would either be left alone, or re-imaged with the OS that the machine originally shipped with, depending on your preferences that are to be stated on the repair sheet.
Lenovo (and IBM before them) couldn't possibly care less what OS you're running - Windows, Linux, DOS or one that you've created yourself. However, if you haven't created a set of recovery media before you started playing around, they'll be more than happy to charge you $45 + S&H + tax for a set of recovery disks for the OS that had originally shipped with your computer.
Hope this clears any misunderstandings.
@zoltanthegypsy:
There's a number of T43/p units that are still under warranty, I've got two in my house right now. Remember, these machines had the option of a five-year warranty agreement, and the very last ones were built in early 2007, believe it or not...
Cheers,
George
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Vista recovery CDs not working

A virus completely hosed my X200 laptop. I'm trying to do a bare metal restore from the Vista recovery disks that came with the laptop. The disk boots a seems to be going ok, then it hits a screen a just sits there for a minute or so. The DVD drive isn't doing anything and the HD isn't doing anything. Then it just reboots. If I leave the disk in it will repeat this cycle over and over again, so it's not that it's doing some sort of prep on the first round.
Is there a way to fix this or are my CDs bad? I just removed them from their packaging and the look like they are in pristine condition.

ErikEngbrecht, welcome to the forum,
having read your posts you seem to have been doing everything correctly. As your system is hanging after booting from disc #1, I'd suggest copying that disc and trying to boot from the copy. If the same occurs contact support and ask them to send you another set.
Alertanitively, have you tried booting to the service partition? Press the blue ThinkVantage button when booting, when you see the message "To interrupt.....". This should then offer you the possibility of selecting F11 to diagnose or recover your system.
Yet another alternative would be to create your own recovery discs, assuming your system still works, these will be created from the service partition and should not be influenced by the virus infection.
Hope this helps
Andy ______________________________________
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Windows Vista on T500 doesn't start, recovery CDs do not work

I have T500 with Windows VISTA, but the system cannot start.
When I turn it on, I can see Vista loading progress bar showing up for some time, and then I get the blue screen with this error:
UNMOUNTABLE_BOOT_VOLUME
When I insert the Recovery Disc, it starts, but I can see only the welcome screen with the rescue wheel, no option to start the recovery.
One note: I have two sets of recovery CDs. My T500 came with Windows XP and CDs for Vista. I re-installed to Vista shortly after purchase using the Vista recovery disks (so the CDs are OK). I made windows XP recovery disks that time, and they do not work now too (I end with the rescue wheel screen). When I had Windows XP I had a lot blue screens from the beginning, that's why I reinstalled to Vista.
Second note: I've already tried the chkdsk /r and fdisk /mbr using FreeDOS CD - no change. (these are recommended programs to run when you have UNMOUNTABLE_BOOT_VOLUME, as I can see on the net)
Anybody could help with this ... well, quite critical issue?
Solved!
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Could be your hard disk drive is going down:-
http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?p=351354
Although the solutions below are pointing that you need an XP CD:-
http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?p=495819#p495819
http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?p=415687#p415687
Hope it helps.
Maliha (I don't work for lenovo)
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Touchsmart IQ524 hard drive crashed. Ran Recovery CDs and I get an error Windows can not install on

I have an HP Touchsmart IQ524 which the hard drive crashed. I replaced the hard drive with the exact same model. I run the Recovery CDs (which I purchased from HP website) and it goes all the way through the process and after the reboot I get a message that "Windows can not install software on this hardware" - so it never completes the process. I have formatted the hard drive and bought and returned 3 hard drives. Any suggestions and assistance will be greatly appreciated.

Hi:
I love recovery disks when they work, and HATE them when they don't.
Fortunately, I have a workaround for you which isn't as good as a recovery disk, but it is better than pulling your hair out, and getting nowhere.
First of all, before you try this, did you perform the recovery with only the keyboard and mouse connected?
Did you buy the same size or larger hard drive?
If your answer to either question is no, then that may be the problem.
Now to the workaround...
If you're up to a slight but rewarding challenge you can make your own if you can read your 25 character Vista product key on the PC.
Just download the 3 files you need at the link below, and read all of the instructions to create a bootable DVD installation disk using imageburn.
Disregard the part of the text under the first screen shot about "extract the files to the Vista folder."
The files were already extracted to that folder when you ran the X14.exe file by reading the text on top of the first screen shot.
The other thing I noticed is on the 4th screen shot, where it shows Developer ID Microsoft Corporation. I had to type Microsoft Corporation in myself, and then the other codes automatically populated.
When I went to compile the ISO file, ImageBurn gave a message that about a WIM file and ISO, and if I wanted to burn it in a different format.
I selected No, make the ISO file.
It was not that hard to do. I burned both the 64 bit disk and the 32 bit disk in case I ever need them.
I tested both of them on my hp dc7100 CMT desktop PC, they worked perfectly.
When you enter the product key, it knows what version of Vista you have.
http://en.community.dell.com/support-forums/software-os/w/microsoft_os/3317.2-3-microsoft-windows-v....
After you successfully install Vista, you can then install the drivers from your PC's support and driver page.
Paul

Create recovery cds for HP Pavilion a410n

I had to reload PC from startup with f12 key. it reloaded the drive like new.
I was going to make pc recovery cds in case HD crashed.
CD Creator said there had already been a set made. I have not made a set since reloading HD.
My daughter may have made a set when i bought this for her she gave it back to me
Thanks

Hi,
Part of the OEM license ( this is when the operating system comes pre-installed with the PC ) only allows one set of Recovery Discs to be created, however you can order a replacement set of these discs using the link below.
http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?docname=c00810334&cc=us&lc=en&dlc=en
If you have any problem with this link, order them directly from HP.
If you live in the US, contact HP Here.
If you are in another part of the world, start Here.
Regards,
DP-K
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How to install only Roxio CD Burner Program from the Recovery CDs?

I bought a T400 a few weeks ago in Korea.
But my company uses English, so I had to install a Windows XP English version.
However, at that time I lost the Roxio software.
I have the recovery CDs for T400 Windows XP PRO SP2.
If it is possible, then please let me know how to install only Roxio CD Burner Programs from the Recovery CDs.
Thanks.

Hello,
unfortunately it´s not possible to install just one program from recovery cd´s.
But on Lenovo support pages, there you should find your software and applications.
Please visit with IE and let autodetect your system.
Then you should able to choose which type of software is availible for you.
Choose CD and DVD drives.
Hopefully the T400 department is up to date now.
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Recovery CDS dont work on new HDD

i bought a new hard drive because my original from my laptop went to shits.
the new hdd is in the laptop and i inserted the recovery cd from hp (they are original) and it says
"windows loading files" and then i get an error that says
"The instruction at 0x77a124a9 referenced memory at 0x00000000"
and it restarts and im back to square one. Does my HDD need to be OEM in order for the recovery cds to work ? or am i missing a step that im not doing properly.
Laptop info
Product : Pavilion dv5
S/N: {Private Information Removed}
P/N KQ574AV
Model # dv5t-1000
also the main reason i want to reinstall windows vista as how it originally came with was because i cant get my webcam to work. after a clean install of win7 ultimate, i cant seem to find a driver from the hp web site that actually works right. I go under device manager and i cant even see where the webcam driver should be at. i want to get the webcam driver to work with the OS i have installed on it right now, which is Win7 Ultimate 32-bit. i tried to install cyberlink webcam and hp mediasmart webcam and both dont work for nothing.

Hello,
I'm not sure which HDD you used, but I suspect that may be the issue. If you look at your Maintenance and Service Guide, it lists compatible part numbers and descriptions for your notebook. The HDD section is on page 55.
You can order these parts from HP Partsurfer
Please let me know if this helps.
Good luck!
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Create Recovery CDs Manually

Greetings,
I have a Pavilion a6300t that was running Vista Home Premium 32 and had to replace the drive. Problem is the owner no longer has the recovery CDs that were created when it was new. The old drive is in-tact, as are the files on the recovery partition. Is there a way I can manually recreate a set of recovery disks from the partition without running the recovery manager? Since it was already done once, I woudn't be able to use the RM program anyway.
Thank you in advance for any assistance.
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View Solution.

GTifeld
Apologies for jumping in!
You might check the following if you wish to Purchase a Recovery Kit for your older system.
Computer Surgeons carries Recovery kits for many HP vintage systems; three are available for your Product Number:
Computer Sugeons Recovery Kit
HP Pavilion a6300t
Product number: KC829AV
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Toshiba Application Installer/Recovery CDs won't load

I have a Tecra A9, WinXP SP3. Recently, I tried to restore my video driver by running Toshiba Application Installer, and got the following error message: "This Recovery and Applications CD is not designed to work with this machine (Portable PC). This CD is for: TECRA A9." When I tried to run the Application Recovery CDs, I got the same error message. I checked the registry, and the only mention of the string "Portable PC" was in My Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\TOSHIBA\SWTOS", under the key "PN". I tried changing it to "TECRA A9", but it had no effect, even after a reboot.
I called Toshiba Technical Support, and the technician was not helpful. His brilliant suggestion was to restore the machine to its state as of a few weeks before. By some miracle, I happened to have a drive image from a few weeks ago, so I backed up my mail and documents and restored the disk from the image. That did nothing. I'm still locked out of my restore disks.
Now, you may ask, why not simply get the old software from the web? Because I don't know my model number. I posted about this in the forums, a couple of months ago, and got some very helpful suggestions from the regulars here, but I don't know for sure. And that technician would not tell me what my model number was. He had my serial number and part number, and he would not tell me.
So, any suggestions as to how to get into either the Application Installer or the Recovery CDs would be most welcome.
I must add that, after my support experience, I am never buying a Toshiba again. I paid good money for a 3-year service contract, and have repeatedly found that the interest of these outsourced support personnel is in getting me off the phone as quickly as possible, not in solving my problems.

What Jerry posted before is correct. Just use the Link for the one with XP and download those drivers.
http://laptopforums.toshiba.com/tshb/board/message?board.id=brd_gen&view=by_date_ascending&message.i...
The tech on the phone couldn't give you a S#### number if your computer doesn't have one. And I assume you have looked at the label on the bottom to see if there is one.
But as Jerry said, the first part of the part number models all use the same drivers.
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HP Recovery CDs

several years back, i purchased a series of 8 recovery cds from hp for my pavilion 513g desktop. i used them successfully when i received them and stored them away in case i'd ever need to recover that pc.
after several years of inactivity, i decided to use the computer as a starter pc for my daughter. upon booting, i only received the windows and hp logos cycling repeatedly. i broke out the 8 cds to restore the pc to a factory state. the first three cds worked without issue. however, the fourth cd starts and then issues the message "preload base_23.inp cannot be recovered". it gives me the option to "abort" or "retry". i've tried both options with no success. i also tried to start from scratch with the first cd, but am instructed to insert cd 4. i also tried to put cd 5 into the drive, but the same message prevails.
is there a solution out there that doesn't require me to purchase new recovery cds? and once i get past cd 4, how do i know that cds 5-8 won't perform the same way?
any input on this issue is greatly appreciated...thanks in advance!
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Make sure your CD's are clean... that means free of grease, grim, finger prints and scratches. Not recommended but I find that using an automotive polish or scratch remover (KIT Scratch Out) rated for use on plastic/plexiglass will clear up scratches well.
Frank
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Transfer Win 8.1 Recovery CDs to USB

I gotta say, I am stunned that Lenovo would ship it's leadin technology Thinkpad with touchscreen with an old, non-touchscreen OS AND provide recovery CDs for a machine with no CD reader. Hopefully someone from Lenovo will realize how crazy that sounds and fix it.
That being said: has anybody figured out how to transfer the recovery CDs to USB?

Hi akmiecik,
OK, well now you've completely lost me. You started this thread as "Transfer Win 8.1 Recovery CDs to USB". I assumed you have a ThinkPad Touchscreen, with Win 8 OS loaded, and you wanted to know how you could create the recovery drive.
   It would have better, had you taken the time, to tell us exactly what issue you're trying to solve. You haven't even posted what model ThinkPad you have, and what OS your laptop is running. From your further posts, you mentioned Win 7.
     From your OP:
"I gotta say, I am stunned that Lenovo would ship it's leadin technology Thinkpad with touchscreen with an old, non-touchscreen OS AND provide recovery CDs for a machine with no CD reader. Hopefully someone from Lenovo will realize how crazy that sounds and fix it."
     That statement leaves me to believe you have ThinkPad with a touchscreen, although a non-touchscreen OS, and do not have a CD reader. Check.
     Then in your second post, you state:
"This would not work given Win 7 was loaded"
     OK, now we have a ThinkPad, with a touchscreen, no CD reader, running Win 7. Check
     In your third post you lament the fact that Lenovo does not ship "floppies"
"What the heck, why don' they just ship floppies"
     OK, now we have a ThinkPad, with a touchscreen, no CD reader, running Win 7 without being able to utilize the screen as a input, and also with a 2.5" (or 5") floppy drive attached to it. Check... Huh?
      Maybe you were being facetious about the floppy drive.
     Anyway, can you post back with the exact model of your ThinkPad, when you bought it, and does it have a touchscreen running under Windows 7? Then tell us what you're trying to accomplish. I can only assume that you want to upgrade your machine to 8, and then 8.1.
      Please check this page to see if your model ThinkPad is supported for the upgrade:
http://support.lenovo.com/en_US/research/hints-or-tips/detail.page?DocID=HT079684
      When we have more information about your problem, we can better assist you.
Cheers
DragonRider
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Seagate drive failed used HP recovery cds and windows wont finish the install...

Hello FOlks First time poster long time reader.. ...
I have an older HP A6567c machine.. that has been retrofitted with almost everything new minus the motherboard,processor and ram... ive swapped power supplies gpu and of course HD..so heres my issue..
I use a seagate 1tb hd.. it recently failed on me so i sent away for a replacement since it was under warranty.. they shipped me out a nice refurbed 1tb drive that is half the width of my older one.. which i thought was odd.. but i installed it anyways.. i ran the HP 3 cd recovery al was fine until it went to completing your windows installation.. and then i got an error message saying it could not complete my windows installation.. please reinstall windows.. i was dumbfounded.. ive replaced maybe 4 or5 drives in my time and ive never seen this.. so i read somewhere to unplug printers and gpus and anything extra so i did that retried and same issue.. so i went diggin around and found an article stating that older HP recovery cds dont allow certains drivers to be installed during recovery session like what the new style HD's require ..and going off that premise i ended up finding a few more articles where folks had said the same thing..
So im at a loss for why the recovery cds wont work.. anyone know if their are newer style recovery cds that work with newer hard drives ? ive read some HP forums where others had the issue and have had mixed replies from HP support one tech saying they had to buy all new recovery cds while the other tech told a customer they had to upgrade their OS.. I suppose i wouldnt mind upgrading to Win7 from my vista 64 home prem. i hear win 7 is nicer.. but i only run 4 gig ram so would win7 run on my machine ?
Also if their are a new style hard drive .. whats the beef with them ? what makes them so different to the older ones.. sadly with this being a holiday weekend im SOL on getting ahold of Seagate.. so im stuck waiting til monday dec 1st to get ahold of them.. but i was hoping someone might come across this and give me some ideas..
thanks ,
Starbuxx
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View Solution.

Hi,
Run the BIOS hardware diagnostic and make sure that your PC is OK. Check with Seagate and make sure that the hard drive that you received is not an advanced format hard drive as these types of drives will not work with the older HP recovery programs.
If your PC is not running BIOS version 5.32 or higher and has 7GB or more then remove some memory dimms to reduce the total to under 7GB. You can install the latest BIOS updates after your PC is recovered.
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Mail in 10.6.4 not usable: it consumes all CPU time and will not quit

Mail application does not work properly.
It eats up most of the available CPU time (till >300% on my machine), becomes unresponsive and will only quit when killed by a force quit in the Activity Monitor.
I have only two accounts set up. One Gmail account and a google apps one.
I used to synch with a Blackberry but now I synch directly through google apps.
The problem was sporadic at best at first but has become the usual behaviour now. Major change has been installing 10.6.4
I have switched to Thunderbird since Mail is not usable.
Tx for any hint on how to solve this issue

It seems to be a recurring issue with 10.6.4...there's probably not much mere mortals like us can do. I haven't found a solution. Try re-installing 10.6.4.

Recovery CDs not usable?

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