Windows 10 On Classic ThinkPads "Guide"

[TPFanatic]

In this thread I will "Guide" how to emulate my personal choices when installing Windows 10 on Classic ThinkPads. This is not legal advice.

Windows 10 On Classic ThinkPads "Guide"
By tpfanatic

Scope: All x64 ThinkPads

Rationale: Better software support than Win 7, doesn't self-destruct if not genuine.

Cons: Ugly, but get over it.

STEP 1
Complete the following ingredients in no particular order.

a.
Make an MBR boot ISO of Windows 10 and install it. DO NOT CONNECT IT TO THE INTERNET.

b.
Collect installers for the following software:
I. Lenovo Power Manager 6.68.15, or similar eg. http://download.lenovo.com/ibmdl/pub/pc ... u403ww.exe
II. Lenovo Power Management Driver 1.67, or similar eg. https://thinkpads.com/support/Thinkpad- ... ku09ww.exe
III. Hotkey Features Integration 3.81 if you want modern style, https://download.lenovo.com/ibmdl/pub/p ... vu23ww.exe or 2.06 if you want classical green style, find 7kvu22ww.exe somewhere
IV. Net Framework 3.5 Offline Installer, eg. https://www.majorgeeks.com/files/detail ... aller.html
V. Classic Shell 4.31, or similar eg. https://github.com/coddec/Classic-Shell ... _4_3_1.exe
VI. Mozilla Firefox eg. https://ftp.mozilla.org/pub/firefox/releases/
VII. Vcredist all distributables, eg.https://www.techpowerup.com/download/vi ... ll-in-one/
VIII. If working Middle Click is desired, if Synaptics Ultranav, force install P71 Ultranav Driver https://download.lenovo.com/pccbbs/mobiles/n23gz21w.exe or if Alps Ultranav (eg. R61, R500, X300, X301), install Ultranav 2 Driver https://thinkpads.com/support/Thinkpad- ... gy02ww.exe or physically disconnect Touchpad and install Trackpoint Driver https://thinkpads.com/support/Thinkpad- ... g686ww.exe

Install the above as desired.

For Power Manager, copy and paste "setup.exe" so it becomes "setup - Copy.exe", then run in Compatibility for Windows 7. It should install. If it doesn't, I'll be darn.

STEP 2

DO NOT CONNECT TO THE INTERNET.

STEP 3

Open Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security and block all outbound connections. Make an exception for your web browser. NEVER UNBLOCK OUTBOUND CONNECTIONS or this will activate every terrorist sleeper cell inside Task Scheduler and wherever else.

STEP 4

Before ever connecting to the Internet, set up any customization you desire such as:
a. small taskbar buttons
b. colors
c. desktop icons
d. mouse shadow
e. lock screen background

Because as soon as you connect to the Internet, if Win 10 ain't genuine/licensed/paid for, customization becomes paywalled. You get one shot at this.

STEP 5

Enjoy a generally stable Windows 10 that behaves at least as well as Windows Vista on otherwise decrepit hardware.

[SAIYAN48]

I'd add that you should use IOT LTSC since it lasts until 2032.

[RealBlackStuff]

The Classic Shell you refer to is outdated.
It has been replaced with Open Shell.