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To begin with, IBM ImageUltra Builder is the first tool you'll need. You can download a 60-use trial from http://www.pc.ibm.com/us/accessories/se ... ilder.html.
This tool can import from either a set of Recovery CDs or the HPA (PreDesktop Area).
I've done this and found PowerQuest DriveImage partition images (for the OS) as well as pkgzip archives, both with alternate extenstions. Unfortunately the PQI files are encrypted with a password which itself is encrypted by ImageUltra Builder.
This is the point I'm at. I've only imported from the HPA, but the Recovery CDs should include a module for rebuilding the HPA - if this is the case it should be possible to rebuild the image on the HPA to be exactly what we want (such as a slipstream XP SP2).
I'm still working but any assitance in extracting the PQI image (if anyone else has ventured down this path) would be appreciated. I've even tried using iulognv.exe (IBM utility) to encrypt the password given in the module, but that does not work either
Failing that, I plan on using PowerQuest utilities (either DriveImage or Deploy Center) to create a new sysprep partition image. This will likely be faster than IBM's ultraportable image which results in a complete re-install.
Personally, being able to customize/rebuilt the HPA is a big win. Rebuilds will be *much* faster than from CD; Rebuilds will result in *exactly* what I want - no more/no less; Using the HPA removes the need for me to carry a set of CDs around. The work I do often results in a rebuild (monthly?) and being able to do a one-button restore is very attractive - I'm willing to give up a few G of space for this.