Thinkpads Forum

I created the factory-install recovery on a thumb drive. After installing Windows 8 I want to revert back to Windows 7, but can't figure out how to boot from the USB. Tried the BIOS settings etc., but no luck. Ideas?

When you get into the Startup/Boot section of the BIOS (after hitting the Thinkvantage key at startup and then F1), there are two entries for USB.
You need to move them to the top of the list, above the hard drive.
I think it's actually the USB:CD entry that needs to be at the top, but I'm not sure.

I have an X301 and had to change the boot order in the BIOS to boot from the USB drive. There were several USB options and by trial and error I got there in the end, much easier than any other method.
I made DVD's for recovery so had to download a copy of windows 7 pro, I didn't realise that you have to prepare the USB in order to boot from it - microsoft have a program for that specifically - if I remember what it's called I'll post the link.

Unfortunately, that doesn't work for me. Will try some other things...

You sure your USB is a proper boot drive? Hitting F12 on startup should bring you to a boot drive menu. Select your USB drive and you should be off and running. That is assuming you created a proper USB boot drive.

Yes, quite sure it's a boot drive.

Does it boot on another system?

http://wintoflash.com/home/en/ worked fine for me to make a couple of Windows 7 USB keys.

Also, try different USB ports in case one isn't cooperating.

I found a way to recreate the recovery media on disks: http://www.kensfi.com/cannot-create-ano ... or-lenovo/

Will try to figure out the USB stuff another time.