customizing predesktop to use mini OS and custom HD image

[Charles]

Hello

I will try to explain what I am trying to do even though it is a bit of a blur in my mind :p

Basically I am trying to modify the Hidden Protected Area (HPA or Pre desktop area) so that instead of the factory content I can restore my own custom windows installation.

Right now I have a T41p so have the older pre desktop and would rather have the one from rescue and recovery with the web browser and the nifty features

I deleted my own HPA, but have all the recovery CDs would the need arise of getting it back.

If I try installing rescue and recovery, it will indeed give me access to the new pre desktop and have a custom backup the only thing being that everything is installed in the Main partition.

Now I don't really want my tweaked OS image to have rescue and recovery. All I want from R&R is the miniOS

So to recap:

• I would need to recreate the HPA
• In this HPA I would like the new mini OS
• I want to have my own custom HD Image

It would seem that the only way of creating the HPA is with either the factory CDs or after doing a backup of it yourself using FWBACKUP.EXE

I think I might be able to copy all the files to a FAT32 partition but then I have no clue on how to customize those before using FWRESTOR.EXE to put it back.

I only have the old pre desktop so how to modify it to have the new mini OS?

How to replace the factory image with my own? Of course this because I want to use as little space as possible to make this rescue partition.

I haven’t tried accessing the files yet since I need to use the factory CDs so I will probably give it a go tonight but was just wondering if anyone had tried to do something like that.

I see that Zprime is trying to do the same http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?t=12222

maybe we can find a solution

[Charles]

apparently the only way for me to do that would be to use image builder ultra ... anyone with a solution that doesn't cost $1000 is welcome

[Nolonemo]

This is less a direct response to your post than a comment.

It seems to me that the predesktop area may be fine for restoring after software corruption, but is useless if you have a hard drive failure and need to restore to a new drive. (Unless I misunderstand what it is, as I don't have one). A better solution (or at least an addtional strategy to guard against catastrophe) would be to image the factory load (or your personal default software load) to DVDs so you could do a bare metal restore if your HD crashes.

I use Acronis True Image for that purpose, always take a backup set of DVDs (right now everything fits on two) with me when I travel, although to be really safe I probably should take along a cloned hard drive....

[Charles]

well you are right

This is what I do for my T41p, I use my modified XP cd.

this was for my girlfriend and her sister. Have an easy way for them to dump a clean OS when I am not around. They have a R50 and T43 so basicly I want an Image with just the software installer and the network driver.

[GomJabbar]

This is just a thought, and I haven't tried it, but it seems to me that maybe it would be possible to image the Rescue Media CD onto the HPA. I believe the Rescue Media CD is bootable, and it's purpose is to gain access to your hard drive when the Rescue Partition won't boot.