T510 Fresh Install Win7

This thread is for discussion of a recommended Windows 7 x64 fresh install on a T510. My goal is an install striking a reasonable balance between additional installed software and functionality.

I've started by compiling a list of all updates offered after a fresh install (i) by System Update; (ii) by Windows Update; or (iii) on the Lenovo web site. I'm using a 4314-2PU as a test system.

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So far, I've installed the following, although not necessarily in this order.

Windows 7 Professional 64-bit

* Remove all partitions before installing.

Downloaded from Lenovo web site

* ThinkVantage System Update
* Intel Wireless LAN [1]
* ThinkPad Power Mangement Driver [2]
* Bluetooth with Enhanced Data Rate Software II [3]
* Monitor file for Windows 7
* Enabling Wake on LAN from Standby for ENERGY STAR

Installed from ThinkVantage System Update

* ThinkPad UltraNav Driver
* Windows 7 Update Module KB978258
* Windows 7 Update Module KB975496
* ThinkPad Video Features(NVIDIA Quadro NVS/FX)
* Intel Chipset Support
* ThinkPad Hotkey Features Integration Package [4]
* ThinkPad UltraNav Utility
* ThinkPad Power Manager
* Ricoh Multi Card Reader Driver
* Conexant Audio Software
* ThinkPad Integrated Camera Device Driver
* ThinkPad Modem Adapter
* Intel AMT [5]
* Intel PRO/1000 LAN Adapter Software for Windows 7

Windows Update

* All security updates
* KB976264
* KB978637
* UPEK driver update for Touch Chip Fingerprint Coprocessor (WBF advanced mode)

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I'm not planning to install the following:

From Lenovo web site

* ThinkVantage Toolbox. I see no point in this at all.

* Intel Turbo Boost Technology Driver. I can't convince myself that this has anything to do with Turbo Boost among the CPU cores. I think it only applies to the integrated GPU, which isn't even accessible on a T510 with discrete graphics.

From ThinkVantage System Update

* ThinkVantage Fingerprint Software. Windows 7 manages biometric devices reasonably well. Unless someone knows of a compelling advantage offered by the Lenovo software, I'm planning to skip it.

* ThinkVantage Active Protection System. I'm not convinced it's useful enough to warrant installing.

* Intel Rapid Storage AHCI Driver for 64-bit v9.5.7.1002. This version doesn't support TRIM. I'm either sticking with the Microsoft driver or installing the v9.6+ of the Intel driver, which is avaialble for download from Intel.

From Windows Update

* NVIDIA Corporation - Audio - NVIDIA High Definition Audio.

* Conexant - Audio - Conexant 20585 SmartAudio HD. This might be a more recent version than installed by ThinkVantage System Update, but I've had bad experiences with letting Windows install device software.

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The following appear in Programs and Features in the factory image, but not my install:

* 2007 Microsoft Office system
* Access Help
* AT&T Service Activation
* CLEAR WiMAX Tutorial
* Client Security - Password Manager
* Corel Burn.Now Lenovo Edition
* Corel DVD MovieFactory Lenovo Edition
* Create Recovery Media
* Disable AMT Profile Synchronization Pop-up for Windows Vista/7
* Intel Turbo Boost Technology Monitor
* Intel Control Center
* Intel PROSet/Wireless WiMAX Software
* Intel Turbo Boost Technology Driver
* InterVideo WinDVD 8
* Lenovo ThinkVantage Toolbox
* Lenovo Warranty Information
* Lenovo Welcome
* Message Center Plus
* Microsoft Office 2003 Web Components
* Microsoft Office 2007 Primary Interop Assemblies
* Microsoft Office Small Business Connectivity Components
* Microsoft Office Suite Activation Assistant
* Microsoft Research AutoCollage Touch 2009
* Microsoft SQL Server 2005
* Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Compact Edition [ENU]
* Microsoft SQL Server Native Client
* Microsoft SQL Server Setup Support Files
* Microsoft SQL Server VSS Writer
* Microsoft Sync Framework Runtime Native v1.0 (x86)
* Microsoft Visual C++ 2005 Redistributable (x64) [6]
* Microsoft Visual C++ 2008 Redistributable - x64
* Mobile Broadband Connect
* Qualcomm Gobi 2000 Package for Lenovo
* Registry Patch to Enable Maximum Power Saving on WiFi Adapters for Windows 7
* Rescue and Recovery
* ThinkPad Bluetooth with Enhanced Data Rate Software
* ThinkVantage Access Connections
* ThinkVantage Active Protection System
* ThinkVantage Fingerprint Software
* ThinkVantage GPS
* Verizon Wireless Mobile Broadband Self Activation
* Windows Driver Package - Broadcom Bluetooth
* Windows Driver Package - Broadcom Bluetooth
* Windows Driver Package - Broadcom HIDClass
* Windows Driver Package - Intel (e1kexpress) Net
* Windows Driver Package - Intel (HECIx64) System
* Windows Driver Package - Intel System
* Windows Driver Package - Intel System
* Windows Driver Package - Intel System
* Windows Driver Package - Intel USB
* Windows Driver Package - Lenovo (LenovoRd) SmartCardReader
* Windows Driver Package - Lenovo
* Windows Driver Package - Ricoh Company MS Host Controller
* Windows Live Essentials
* Windows Live Sign-in Assistant
* Windows Live Sync
* Windows Live Upload Tool

The following appear in my install, but not the factory image:

* Intel Network Connections Drivers

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Notes

[1] Custom install of driver only.
[2] Could not successfully install from ThinkVantage System Update.
[3] This wouldn't install, claiming there's no Bluetooth device. Still need to investigate.
[4] Required manual install from ThinkVantage System Update.
[5] Planning to uninstall this and disable AMT in the BIOS.
[6] v8.0.56336 is missing. v8.0.50727.42 is installed in both cases.

 

Anyone see anything that:

1. Needs to be or should be installed, but isn't on the installation list; or

2. Is on the installation list, but isn't really needed or shouldn't be installed?

 

I've the same model and planing to install 64bit W7 PRO in my T510. Just wondering about Lenovo Recovery DVD with 64bit W7 PRO. Any ideas where to find it ?

What about the same serial from 32bit to 64bit ? It's goes fine with 64bit windows as well ?

 

You need to order the Rescue and Recovery disc from IBM. The serial number will work.

IBM will probably tell you that they can't sell the recovery disc to you, since you're machine shipped with 32-bit. Be polite and insistent. They can sell it to you, but some of the tier one people don't know it. The Win 7 64-bit recovery disk for a 4314-2PU is 58Y4447 and the charge is $45.

I made some note about the exactly what I installed and in what order, but I haven't had a chance to clean it up enough for public posting yet. On the other hand, if you want a factory install, the recovery disc is your best bet.

 

If you're doing a clean install, you can use the ThinkVantage System Update to automatically download and install the drivers you select - when I clean-installed Windows 7 Professional on my T500, TVSU saved me a lot of time.

Download the installer .exe for TVSU and put it on a USB drive, and then run it when you boot into Windows for the first time.

 

ThinkVantage System Update can be very helpful, but I'm nearly positive that it will not download everything needed for a clean install from retail or OEM media. I seem to recall needing to do a bit of digging to have a fully functional install. Did you find that to be the case?

For a factory install, there's no substitute for a Rescue and Recovery disc.

 

JimBrown: Thank you so much for reply and sharing your knowledge. And what about EE (Lenovo Enhanced Experience) built in within recovery version of windows ? Any ideas if it's only device driver's stuff or something more compiled into recovery version ? Maybe you have recovery disk of x64 W7 Profesional ? If you have it I would like to ask you to make CD image and to put if somewhere online. I was not able to find it using Google Just I know that few more people was looking for it... In my country Lenovo athorized dealer told that they don't have any disks for W7 64bit recovery I guess they don't care if there are some.

I would like to see your updated notes about the exactly what you installed and in what order Maybe clean install of W7 Pro x64 version is the best choice in this situation....

 

If the ThinkVantage System Update connects to a lenovo server, how does it do this without a network driver or wireless driver installed? Sounds like it's a chicken and the egg scenario. Seems like you need the drivers all contained locally (DVD?) in order to update the system.

Thanks,
Nick

 

IIRC, hardwired Ethernet is functional with a stock Windows 7 installation.

My last install recipe, which is still a work in progress, involved saving a copy of the SWTOOLS folder from the factory image and then following these steps:

1. Install retail / OEM Windows 7
2. Install Intel Chipset Support for Windows XP/Vista/7 9.1.1.1023
3. Install ThinkPad Hotkey Features Integration Package Setup 3.09.0000
4. Install ThinkPad Power Mangement Driver 1.60
5. Install ThinkPad Video Features(NVIDIA Quadro NVS/FX) for Windows 7 64bit 8.16.11.8825
6. Install Conexant Audio Software 3.66.138.50
7. Install ThinkPad UltraNav Driver for Windows 64-bit 14.0.18.0
8. Install ThinkPad UltraNav Utility 2.12
9. Install Monitor file for Windows 7 4.34
10. Install Intel Wireless LAN. Either Intel WiFi and WiMAX 6250 or Intel Centrino Advanced-N 6200, depending on configuration. Either way, do a custom install of the driver only.
11. Install Ricoh Multi Card Reader Driver 2.06.02.02a
12. Install SmartCard reader driver, if applicable.
13. Install Intel PRO/1000 LAN Adapter Software for Windows 7 64-bit 11.5.10.0
14. Install Bluetooth with Enhanced Data Rate Software II 6.2.1.800. Use Fn-F5 to ensure that Bluetooth is powered-on before installation.
15. Install ThinkPad Wireless WAN (UNDP) Driver - Qualcomm Gobi2000 1.1.90, if applicable.
16. Install ThinkVantage GPS 2.60, if applicable.
17. Install Enable Wake on LAN from Standby for ENERGY STAR 1.06
18. Install Enable maximum power saving on WiFi adapters. I could only find this on the factory image. It was in SWTOOLS\DRIVERS\EnablePS\EnablePS.reg
19. Install Thinkpad Integrated Camera Device Driver 1.1.0.19
20. Install Intel AMT MEI driver. Open Device Manager. Under Other devices, get properties for the PCI Simple Communications Controller. Choose Driver, Update Driver, Browse my computer for driver software. Search for driver software in this location from the factory image: SWTOOLS\DRIVERS\AMT\MEI_SOL_Installer\Drivers.
21. Install ThinkPad Power Manager 3.12.
22. Install ThinkVantage System Update (19 Oct 2009 : v4.0.0024)
23. Run ThinkVantage System Update and allow it to download and install the following: (i) Windows 7 Update Module KB978258 64-bit; (ii) Windows 7 Update Module KB977419 64-bit; and (iii) Windows 7 Update Module KB975496 64-bit.
24. Run Windows Update. Install all critically important updates. Install KB976264. Install KB978637. Install UPEK driver update for Touch Chip Fingerprint Coprocessor (WBF advanced mode) 11/4/2009.

Open issues for me are whether the following should be installed, although I haven't missed any of them:

1. ThinkVantage Communications Utility.
2. ThinkPad Modem Adapter 7.80.5.0.
3. Turbo Boost Technology Driver 1.0.1.1002
4. Fix for issue of HDD with HD detection 1.02
5. Intel HD Graphics Driver, if using a ThinkPad with discrete graphics.

I do not like installing the following:

1. ThinkVantage Active Protection System 1.71
2. Intel AMT 6.0.0.1179a. If you don't install, disable it in the BIOS.
3. Registry Patch to Disable AMT Profile Synchronization Pop-up 1.00. Probably needed, if you use Intel AMT.
4. ThinkVantage Fingerprint Software 5.9.2.5980. Windows 7 handles the fingerprint device without this software. However, you may need this if you want to integrate BIOS and HD passwords at boot with the fingerprint device.
5. Windows 7 Update Module KB975741. Should not be needed after KB977074.
6. ThinkVantage Toolbox 6.0.5450.12
7. The following from Windows Update: (i) NVIDIA Corporation – Audio – NVIDA High Definition Audio 9/23/2009; and (ii) Conexant – Audio – Conexant 20585 SmartAudio HD April 2010.

Note that the above reflects my personal biases towards what is needed and not, but the overall philosophy is not to install anything unless its going to be used.

Version numbers were current as of the time I last did a fresh install, which was months ago. I think that all of the necessary installation files can be found here: Lenovo Support & downloads - Drivers and software - ThinkPad T410, T410i, T410s, T410si, T510, T510i and W510.

 

I don't think the hardwired ethernet works with a base install. I'm pretty sure I tried that. Also, the Lenovo tech's instructions was to install the new OS, install the ethernet driver, and then run ThinkVantage System Update. I did this and it worked great and was pretty simple.

Thanks,
Nick