T41 -- unusual problems with Recovery

[zebra]

Hello!

I need to recover my system, a have hidden partition with Windows XP Pro Installation Program.

But when i expect option "Rescue & recovery" there is no one! It should be on screen after turning on computer and using "access button". So now, a have no idea how to recover my system!

If anyone could help me, i would be grateful,
Thanks in advance,
Karolina

[richk]

Is it really a hidden partition or the HPA (hidden protected area)? Can you see the space with another program? What does it look like?

[christopher_wolf]

Welcome to the Thinkpad Forum

What Thinkpad model is it and has the MBR been altered by something like a 2nd OS?

[zebra]

Hello again,

I have Think Pad T41, 2373-4GG

The only "proof" that I have got -- that this partition actually exist -- is that When I bought laptop there was lack of 6 GB (if I remember it correctly) on disc, and provider said me that is because of hidden partition... that there is a space where windows installer is. So I don't need any CDs with Windows if I would like to recover my system.

Afterwards nobody configured my computer, there where no changes in partitions.

I have just checked (in “control panel” -> “administrative tools” -> "Computer Management") that the total available space on disc (C, D, E) is 74,56 GB instead of 80... so probably on the rest space is Windows installer. But I do not know HOW I can see this space?

Once more... when I press "access button" after start up there is "Startup Interrupt Menu" ESC: resume normal startup, F1: enter IBM BIOS, F12: choose temporary startup device... Where should be menu with "Rescue & Recovery". In BIOS there is "IBM Predesktop Area" and is on "Normal" mode which means "Change allowed, contents hidden from OS"

Karolina

[richk]

Go into the BIOS and look at settings/security. Make sure "predesktop area" is set to "normal" and not "secure".

[zebra]

Go into the BIOS and look at settings/security. Make sure "predesktop area" is set to "normal" and not "secure".

I've done it. But nothing has changed. :/

[carbon_unit]

It sounds like the HPA is not there.

[bill bolton]

I have just checked (in “control panel” -> “administrative tools” -> "Computer Management") that the total available space on disc (C, D, E) is 74,56 GB instead of 80

In the way that Windows XP reports disk capacity, that is approximately what you get from a normally formatted and partitioned 80GB drive.... so you don't have any hidden partitions.

Cheers,

Bill

[zebra]

Ok. I have checked another disc that I configured with XP, it is the same… as You said

I could have misunderstood man that sell me this laptop. I do not really remember what it was all about when I bought T41. It then really didn't matter I am not sure if there where lack of this NORMAL lack, or more. Provider have changed original product from 40 GB disc space and 512 MB RAM to – respectively – 80 GB and 1 GB. So this problems that I have could have a root in configuration of new disc .

I am just USER of laptop, I know as much as I need about it I do not have a clue about advanced configuration, that is why I am here To consult my ideas .

So... meanwhile.. I have checked another opportunity... IS IT POSSIBLE THAT WIN INSTALER IS ON DISC (not on hidden space) My friend have got IBM TP with Windows installer on it... And she has got this whole menu with "Recovery..." after startup with access button. And -- also -- she had same situation with disk space [when she bought new laptop] as I did (probably), that there was less disc space that expected (because of space used by installer of system), but in total she had this 40 GB available disc-space minus some GB that are normal in formatted discs. So it is still possible, that this installer is somewhere (where? – I do not now) on my disk, but not on some Hidden Partition as I thought. But, though, how I could find it out?

Now I have done my homework I have checked Lenovo support system for my laptop and there is another path…It is possible that I do not have (I could deleted it -- which is also possible, because I did have virus one time and deleted some files with it) program which is needed to do recovery installation (or my BIOS is not with latest version... I did not upgrade my system automatically, still I do not have SP2; but this versions are less probable) It means that I could have windows installer but I need special support program to do the recovery (to have this special MENU).

I have to explore all avenues before I will try to install Windows XP Pro from different source (I still have product-license) than from my computer. Because this is the safeties mode.

If you know how I could check my computer, how I can find out if I have Win Installer or not just tell me At least I could install this program from Lenovo, but for while I will hold it.

I am also trying to contact with provider of my laptop, but You are faster with responds that them I have searched this forum a little and I am impressed that there is something like this…

Thanks!!!
K

[GomJabbar]

It is possible that the following will work for you IF you have the necessary recovery files on your hard drive.

Rescue and Recovery - Recovery repair diskette

How the recovery is handled changed during the T40 - T42 series. I know my T42 definitely has a FAT32 service partition that came with the factory preload. Earlier models do not have a service partition per se. What they have is called the HPA. See following for more info.

http://www.thinkwiki.org/wiki/Hidden_Protected_Area

http://www.thinkwiki.org/wiki/Rescue_and_Recovery