Thinkpads Forum

Hello!
I've got a question. I have all the software on my T60 preloaded on hard drive. I have new OS preloaded too (actually, it's already installed). Is it possible (and how) to install fresh Windows XP from the preloaded files, I'd like to format local disk, so I've backuped IBM Preload and I386 folders.

Any suggestions?

There is a Rescue and Recovery partition on the drive -- the software on it can be accessed by pressing the blue ThinkVantage button at boot. I don't think you should reformat the hard drive, because if you do, you will wipe out this software.

You can use this software, however, to reinstall Windows on your machine. Furthermore, I think you should be able to customize your installation so that only the software you specify is installed -- you could deselect all the proprietary software and end up with a generic XP install if you want.

Somebody should probably confirm what I'm saying, since I've only done this once, and I may not remember all the details.

use the rescue and recovery application to create a set of restorations disks so if you ever need to go back to factory you will have the disks ready.

the just wipe out all partitions and install windows like you normally would.

First make a set of Product Recovery Discs. Go to Start > All Programs > ThinkVantage > Create Recovery Media. It will take a minimum of (2) disks to make the set; (1) CD and (1) DVD. The Rescue Media or Startup Disc only takes (1) CD.

This is different than a Rescue and Recovery backup. The Product Recovery disks restore the factory preloaded software on a hard drive - even if it's brand new (empty). They also erase any existing partitions and information on a hard drive that has been used.