Thinkpad 600E (Type 2645)

I'm a rookie and I have a IBM Thinkpad 600e that I just want to wipe the
entire drive and start fresh. I have no recovery disk or anything else that
came with the laptop. Does anyone know where I can go to download whatever I
need to do this?? Don't mean to sound like a dumb#@&$, but I really have no
experience in this and I want to see if I can work it out without taking it
in.
Thanks for any advice or suggestions!

 

All you need is a Windows Installation CD, which you can buy at any
computer outlet. I had a 600E and I would recommend Windows 2000.
Windows XP would probably bog down the slower 600E too much. Of course
you could also go with Linux.

 

Here are all the drivers. Pay attention to the
Supplement files at the section near the bottom
BEFORE installing the OS.

http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site.wss/DSHY-3TLQ2L.html

 

I am curious Obs, what exactly are the supplement files? I see there
are none listed for Windows 2000, so it was never an issue for me.

I did have to update the BIOS however, to have full functionality of
all the included hardware. I bought my laptop used, and originally it
came with Windows 98, but the place I bought it from gave me the option
of having Windows 98 or Windows 2000. Note: Anyone updating their BIOS
needs to follow the instructions exactly, as it carries a risk of
damaging the system board if a problem arises.

You are right about getting the latest drivers to have the laptop
up-to-date.

 

Here are all the drivers. Pay attention to the

For 98SE, there is some APMINST.INF file that you
are suppose to integrate when installing 98SE
(eg >setup apminst.inf) but I'm not sure what
exactly this does because I originally installed
98SE without the APMINST file and haven't noticed
any difference. Maybe it just forces an APM
install as opposed to ACPI.

There is also an APMINST.REG file that you are
suppose to import to the registry after install
to remove an IDE controller conflict that shows
up.

Also included are ICC profiles and driver for
the TFT screen.

You can always just download and take a look at
what's in the supplement files. The archives
extract without installing.

 

XP runs fine on all 3 of my 600e ThinkPads (wireless connect
throughout the house,) albeit w/ 288mb RAM each. All boot in under 40
seconds and I've not had a Ctrl+Alt+Del, or BSOD, since installation.

KC

 

Thinkpads are known to just work. I bought a used 600E, replaced the
hard drive, installed 228 MB RAM, put in a DVD/CDRW, a wireless card and
simply installed Windows XP. Everything worked fine. You don't need
any special drivers or anything. One tip: upgrade the BIOS.

 

Yes, I had to update the BIOS to get full functionality for Windows
2000. The laptop originally came with Windows 98.