So now that I have WinXP configured on my T42p EXACTLY...

[fox_napier]

...as needed for a restore, i.e. I've installed the core applications such as an office suite, a graphics suite and look and feel of the GUI, how do I go about updating the hidden partition with the restore information so that it not only includes the OS that came the laptop but the installed core applications as well.

I guess what I'm asking is how to make the restore partition representative of the state of the system as it is now, with the installed programs and customizations?

I imagine many companies do this upon receiving large batches of Thinkpads? Is this even a good idea, given that in the future if I'm forced to restore I don't want that program from two years ago restored with it?

Also, what else do you folks use as reliable backup? The DVD-R?

[PaulB]

how do I go about updating the hidden partition with the restore information so that it not only includes the OS that came the laptop but the installed core applications as well

Actually, you don't update the hidden partition (if you restore from the hidden partition, you will always restore your original factory image).

What you want to do is run 'IBM Rescue and Recovery' (version 2.0) and backup your C: partition (or whatever partition Windows is instaled on). It backs it up in a hidden folder that can be stored anywhere. I back mine up onto another harddrive.

PaulB

[Kenn]

If it's exactly the way you want it, ghost that sucker

[zzyss]

Actually, you don't update the hidden partition (if you restore from the hidden partition, you will always restore your original factory image).

Yeah, and you waste another few gigabytes on top of the ones that they've already taken for the hidden partition. That's a lotta gigs.