system restore / windows cd with new T42?

[tommyj27]

do T42s come with a windows CD or restore cds? i just got mine and i want to blow away the drive to make room for linux but I can't seem to find the original software? i can't believe i would have lost it already.

[skuehne]

You can't lose what wasn't even there in the first place. ThinkPads don't come with a set of restore CDs. But don't panic:

- your ThinkPad has a hidden service partition that allows you to restore the machine.
- you can create a set of restore CDs through 'Access IBM\Create Recovery Disks'.
- you can call IBM at 1-800-IBM-SERV and ask them for a set of CDs. They used to ship them to you free of charge, but there are rumors that they might charge you now. Seems to depend on the CSR you talk to on the phone and how well you plead you case, though.

Sven

[tommyj27]

i'm seeing this as i dig deeper while waiting for the TP to finish it's factory restore, i was going to just nc the entire drive image to my file serve from knoppix but if i can just burn restore CDs that might be easier, not to mention more disk space efficient.

[skuehne]

Unless you really need the extra disk space, you might want to keep the service partition. For example, the 'Press the blue Access IBM button ...' prompt you see at boot time only works when the hidden service partition is intact and accessible through the MBR.

Initially, I used to hate the fact that there weren't any restore CDs included with the machine and that IBM uses a hidden partition instead. However, it is useful, especially when you're travelling. Or trying to find the CDs in your office after a couple years when you really, really might need them ...

Sven

[Marc_G]

... However, it is useful, especially when you're travelling. ..Sven

I find the product recovery in the service partition to be pretty useless for traveling. Sure it will recover the OS, but what about programs? Without MS Office, my email program, corporate software I need, and so forth, having a bootable OS is not particularly useful. I guess ymmv.

I got the CDs, but if I ever have a catastrophic failure (and I will; it's just a matter of time ), my recovery will be from an image I made of the full useful system.

Marc

[skuehne]

I find the product recovery in the service partition to be pretty useless for traveling.

For a full restore, sure. But the service partition also gives you direct access to diagnostic utilities, without relying on Windows to boot.

I got the CDs, but if I ever have a catastrophic failure (and I will; it's just a matter of time :twisted: ), my recovery will be from an image I made of the full useful system.

Yep, install everything you need and make an image. And frequent backups after that ...

Sven