Create recovery media without Windows XP?

[wincen]

I just got a used T60 and I'm having trouble trying to create the recovery discs. All the information I found says that in the Thinkvantage folder there will be an icon that says something like "create recovery discs". Mine does not have that icon. Perhaps the previous owner already created a set and you're online allowed to create it once?

When I press the blue thinkvantage button on startup and choose to restore the system nothing happens. Does that mean the recovery media is gone now?

In anycase, I can bootup the computer with a live linux cd and mount and browse the hidden partition. How can I tell if the recovery files might stil be there? And if they are, how can I create the recovery discs?

[Harryc]

If the partition is still there, there is a chance that the data on it is intact and will work. In order to work correctly, recovery relies on a correct MBR, and there is a repair tool for that. Give it a shot. If it doesn't work you'll need to purchase a recovery CD set.
http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... MIGR-54483

Note: If this repair diskette leaves your machine un-bootable, you can repair the MBR (again) using the Windows installation DVD, but personally I'd make a backup of all essential files first.