Completely Stripping A Lenovo Lappy And Starting From Zero

[jweir43]

I have a Lenovo G580 that came with Win 7-32 on it and I've been trying to convert it to 7-64 with a LOT of help from folks on this board. I've given up with about 100 hours of fooling around trying to end-run around Lenovo's strangle hold on the machine.

I'd like to wipe the machine clean (including those hidden hard drive partitions) and take any reference to Lenovo off of the machine without turning it into an expensive door-stop. I just want a mid-level machine without any particular bells and whistles other than being able to use the normal goesintas and goesoutas on the machine like USB, internal optical drive, external VGA drive, wi-fi, and the like.

I really appreciate any help, with the caveat that I can engineer most any analog, RF, or microwave circuit you can come up with. My understanding of how to manipulate a laptop computer stops with the on-off switch. Please use terms that you would use with any competent basketweaving major.

Thanks,

Jim
VP Engineering, RST

 

[Shroomer]

I have a Lenovo Idea pad 130-15ast (AMD not Intel CPU). This laptop came with windows 10 installed. so I did a few searches on YouTube after being unsuccessful at installing windows 7. First I had to change a few things in the bios (disable secure boot and enable legacy support). Windows 7 will not see my USB ports, Network adapter or touchpad so installing was thru keyboard only. I first booted with a USB live drive of Linux Ubuntu-mate to wipe the laptop hard drive. Then installed windows 7 from DVD drive with copies of my USB drivers and realtec drivers burnt on the DVD. Then from windows I had to navigate with keyboard only to install USB drivers.

Not sure if my process was the best way to do it, but it worked... maybe others can give advice. Also windows 7 creates hidden drive partitions for recovery purposes.

 

[Megahertz07]

With 4G of memory I always recommend 32 bits as it will run better than with 64 bits, specially on laptops.
64 bits is only required if you have more than 4G of memory.

You can't upgrade from 32 bits to 64 bits.
If you want to install Win 7 64 bits you need to clean the disk and do a Clean install
Backup your data to an external drive before you begin.

 

[jweir43]

With 4G of memory I always recommend 32 bits as it will run better than with 64 bits, specially on laptops.
64 bits is only required if you have more than 4G of memory.

You can't upgrade from 32 bits to 64 bits.
If you want to install Win 7 64 bits you need to clean the disk and do a Clean install
Backup your data to an external drive before you begin.

Thanks, MHz.
I don't have the capability right now of upgrading the 4G of memory, but some of my recent engineering programs are choking on 32 bit, refusing to run Maybe if the Easter BUnny gives me a large check I'll be able to get more memory later in the year.

I've read the tutorials and I'm totally confused. There are drivers if you have this hardware and Windows commands if you have that hardware, and it is a total confuse job. What is wrong with doing a whole disk unpartition and format down to the fundamental level and starting over?

There is no data on this machine that I want to keep.

THanks,

Jim

 

[SIW2]

You will need a license for win7 on that machine. If it is already activated, you can back it up first using dism++ . Or you have probably got a coa license on a sticker somewhwere - maybe in the battery commpartment

What is wrong with doing a whole disk unpartition and format down to the fundamental level and starting over?

There is nothing wrong with it.

One way is to choose drive options (advanced) during installation and delete all partitions on the target disk.

 

[jweir43]

OK, so I do a C:drive format to get rid of EVERYTHING on the machine's hard drive. I have a legit copy of WIN 7 64. But somewhere in the guts of that Lenovo are a few things that will need Lenovo drivers. VIdeo? USB? WiFi? Printers? ???

Before I completely blank out the machine, how do I go and find what drivers I am going to need after a complete wipe of the hard drive and truly fresh install of 64?

Thanks,

Jim

 

[SIW2]

First have you got the win7 license key for that machine?

It is probabaly on a sticker - often in the battery compartment.

If not, you can use 7oeminstaller after installation to activate - (assuming it was an oem preinstall).


For drivers try the manufacturer's website.

Intel Wireless LAN Driver for Microsoft Windows 7 (32-bit, 64-bit) - Lenovo G480 (2688, 20156), G580 (2689, 20157) - US

They are also here - click the arrow next to each driver you want and download the zip file.

 

[Megahertz07]

There are two ways to use the license that came with the computer (you must install same type, ( HB, HP, Pro or ultimate)).
- On the current original SLP installation, do a activation backup using ABR . The advantage it that the SLP license is activated offline
- Use the COA sticker license key code. It will activate online.

For the installation you can use any Win 7 installation disk. Remember that any Win 7 installation disk has all types (HB, HP, Pro and ultimate). With a little trick you can make it universal.