Getting rid of that darned hidden partition

[aoeu]

Hi, I have a question about my IBM laptop.

I would like to know any adverse side-effects that would happen if I deleted the hidden partition on my IBM laptop. I tried it before on my HP computer, and everything went swell, I had more space than ever before, and I just absolutely loved it. Was wondering if any TP owners here ever attempted before. Perhaps I can back all that hidden parition data into a CD-R?

[gtratter]

I have done this on my T40p using partition magic. Then I did a fresh install of Win XP Pro including all available updates, and last but not least I installed all of the IBM software I like.

Hint: before you do all of this be sure you know which IBM programs you want (i.e. IBM Access, keyboard customization utility, IBM program installer, etc...). Download everything you want, write it to CD and when you are ready to start install from CD (you will find if you install the Thinkpad software installer first - everything will be a lot easier).

In conclusion, no adverse effects on my system.

[G-Man]

The best is to save the whole IBMTOOLS folder. It includes some programs which are not downloadable (DVD player, CD burner etc).

Regards,
G-Man

[alfa_romeo]

Hi, I have a question about my IBM laptop.

I would like to know any adverse side-effects that would happen if I deleted the hidden partition on my IBM laptop. I tried it before on my HP computer, and everything went swell, I had more space than ever before, and I just absolutely loved it. Was wondering if any TP owners here ever attempted before. Perhaps I can back all that hidden parition data into a CD-R?

If you have T42 then woy can burn Recovery CDs and restore hidden partition at any time. But if not then only ordering from IBM support those disks could help. This partition contains windows distributive and compressed IBM installers for tools.

[leland]

Do you mean that I can burn the official recovery cds? I requested them, but I think they're outdated from my machine's install.

[flounder]

Hi

Does IBM provide Winxp Pro cd along with T42, or do you have to send the notebook back to them to have windows installed?

Cheers

[Happy]

Before buying a T41p I did download all necessary drivers from the IBM driver matrix side, burned a CD and disabled the 'hide' feature for the hidden partion (7 Gb) in the BIOS of the T41p.

Reformatted my drive into three partions and reinstalled a fresh version of Windows XP. Took me two hours and saved me 7 Gb of HD space