Take a look at our
ThinkPads.com HOME PAGE
For those who might want to contribute to the blog, start here: Editors Alley Topic
Then contact Bill with a Private Message
ThinkPads.com HOME PAGE
For those who might want to contribute to the blog, start here: Editors Alley Topic
Then contact Bill with a Private Message
Clean install, or restore to factory settings? (T420)
Clean install, or restore to factory settings? (T420)
Hi all,
I just purchased a used T420 (model 4236-O91). This model originally came with 64-bit Windows 7, but currently has the 32-bit version installed for some reason. Since the machine has 8gb of RAM, I need the 64-bit version. The computer has a COA sticker with Product Key, and I do have a Windows 7 installation disc (but not any discs for this specific machine, i.e. the computer did not come with any discs of any kind).
Do you recommend that I do a clean install of Windows 7 on the machine, or should I restore from factory settings? And if I do a clean install, so should I follow these instructions, or are there better instructions out there?
This is the first time I've ever owned a Thinkpad, so I want to make sure I don't do anything dumb here. Thanks in advance for your help!
I just purchased a used T420 (model 4236-O91). This model originally came with 64-bit Windows 7, but currently has the 32-bit version installed for some reason. Since the machine has 8gb of RAM, I need the 64-bit version. The computer has a COA sticker with Product Key, and I do have a Windows 7 installation disc (but not any discs for this specific machine, i.e. the computer did not come with any discs of any kind).
Do you recommend that I do a clean install of Windows 7 on the machine, or should I restore from factory settings? And if I do a clean install, so should I follow these instructions, or are there better instructions out there?
This is the first time I've ever owned a Thinkpad, so I want to make sure I don't do anything dumb here. Thanks in advance for your help!
Re: Clean install, or restore to factory settings? (T420)
It's a bit of a personal preference. Some like all the ThinkVantage Tools while others don't want the clutter. I do a clean install, then make an image of the drive, which I can put back and update at a later date if needed.
ThinkPad L14 - 2.1GHz Ryzen 4650U | 16GB | 256GB | 14" FHD | Win11P
ProBook 470 G5 - 1.6GHz Core i5 | 16GB | 2.2TB | 17" FHD | Mint
ProBook 470 G5 - 1.6GHz Core i5 | 16GB | 2.2TB | 17" FHD | Mint
Re: Clean install, or restore to factory settings? (T420)
Thanks! Just two quick follow-up questions:
- So the only advantage to restoring the machine to factory settings is that I'd get all the ThinkVantage Tools?
- And restoring to factory settings would also switch the OS from its current 32-bit OS to its original 64-bit version?
Re: Clean install, or restore to factory settings? (T420)
Yes and yes.
...Knowledge is a deadly friend when no one sets the rules...(King Crimson)
Cheers,
George (your grouchy retired FlexView farmer)
One FlexView to rule them all: A31p
Abused daily: T520, X200s
PMs requesting personal tech support will be ignored.
Cheers,
George (your grouchy retired FlexView farmer)
One FlexView to rule them all: A31p
Abused daily: T520, X200s
PMs requesting personal tech support will be ignored.
-
- Senior ThinkPadder
- Posts: 8545
- Joined: Tue Jun 28, 2005 5:07 am
- Location: Ann Arbor, MI
- Contact:
Re: Clean install, or restore to factory settings? (T420)
Restore to factory settings and burn a set of recovery discs. Then, wipe out the hidden partitions including the recovery partition, clean install Windows, and install only programs that you want. This way, you not only save space on the HDD but also maximize system performance. My X31 initially had all factory-installed software, and even with 1.5GB RAM it was painfully slow. So, I did a clean install, and it became so much snappier that I downgraded the RAM to 512MB and yet it's still faster than before.
But be sure to have the recovery discs, which will increase this laptop's resale value.
But be sure to have the recovery discs, which will increase this laptop's resale value.
Dell Latitude 7370 (QHD+, 2.84lb); HP Pavilion x2 12-b096ms (1920x1280, 3.14lb); Microsoft Surface 3 (1920x1280, 2.00lb);
Dell OptiPlex 5040 SFF (Core i5-6600); Acer ET322QK, T272HUL; Crossover 404K; QNIX QHD2410R; Seiki Pro SM40UNP
Dell OptiPlex 5040 SFF (Core i5-6600); Acer ET322QK, T272HUL; Crossover 404K; QNIX QHD2410R; Seiki Pro SM40UNP
Re: Clean install, or restore to factory settings? (T420)
Thanks for the advice, all!
Unfortunately, it turns out that I couldn't restore the factory settings -- my guess is that the current HDD is different than the one it shipped with. So, I guess I'm stuck doing a clean install. But thanks for all the help! I'll be sure to image the drive, and also to only install the programs I need. Cheers!
Unfortunately, it turns out that I couldn't restore the factory settings -- my guess is that the current HDD is different than the one it shipped with. So, I guess I'm stuck doing a clean install. But thanks for all the help! I'll be sure to image the drive, and also to only install the programs I need. Cheers!
-
- Similar Topics
- Replies
- Views
- Last post
-
-
X2100 loses bios settings if left unplugged
by jamesfawcett » Fri Apr 05, 2024 9:00 am » in 51nb and other modded Thinkpads - 8 Replies
- 513 Views
-
Last post by kfzhu1229
Fri Apr 12, 2024 2:34 pm
-
-
-
Thinkpad 755 HDD reformat/factory reset
by getarest2000 » Wed Oct 18, 2023 8:30 pm » in Off-Topic Stuff - 6 Replies
- 4010 Views
-
Last post by Edward Mendelson
Fri Oct 20, 2023 9:16 am
-
-
-
Issues with restoring original factory software to a t42
by Glaurung-quena » Thu Feb 08, 2024 7:37 pm » in ThinkPad T40/T41/T42/T43 Series - 9 Replies
- 1432 Views
-
Last post by dr_st
Wed Mar 06, 2024 1:11 pm
-
-
-
WorkPad Z50 strip down and clean up [WARNING: PICS]
by ThinkDan » Fri Feb 02, 2024 5:56 pm » in ThinkPad Legacy Hardware - 3 Replies
- 832 Views
-
Last post by ThinkDan
Sun Mar 10, 2024 6:54 pm
-
Who is online
Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 10 guests