Restoring System Partition

[westpost]

I am looking to purchase a used T6x (T60, T60p, or T61), most likely with the system (R&R) partition wiped out, and without any backup discs made of the original partition. I would be interested in restoring that system partition to the factory state (so as to have a computer just as it was shipped from the factory). Let's assume it shipped with a valid license for Win XP.

I have read old threads of restoring R&R partitions, and my understanding is that re-create the R&R partition, I would need a set of original CDs for this purpose, either from Lenovo or from someone on these forums, or from eBay. (Although right now I see only one such listing on eBay, from someone in Australia -- am I searching the right way?) And that T60 partition images are compatible with T60p partitions.

Here are some additional questions to which I did not see answers:

1. Is *every* T60 partition image truly compatible with *every* T60 and *every* T60p and *every* T61?

2. I already own a T60, shipped with Windows XP Pro. Can I clone that R&R partition and apply it to any used T60, T60p, or T61 that I might purchase, with no problems whatsoever? What if I am buying a T6x that shipped with Win XP Home edition -- will the license key on that machine work with XP Pro?

3. If so, what is the best way to copy and apply the R&R partition from one laptop to another? By making rescue discs from the working T60? And can this be done via 1 DVD rather than multiple CDs? Or better to make an image using Acronis, Ghost, Partition Magic, or a (free) Linux LiveCD containing partition utilities?

4. If I want to get a set of original restore CDs (or DVD?) from Lenovo, is there a part number or a certain phrase to search for on their site? Or does anyone know what number exactly to call? And what are my chances of getting this product for free rather than have to pay for it?

Thanks in advance very much.

Edit: I did just call Lenovo tech support. They said a set of the restore CDs would cost $45, and that a set for another T60 might or might not be compatible, because drivers might be different.

[basketb]

A few thoughts:

1. Is *every* T60 partition image truly compatible with *every* T60 and *every* T60p and *every* T61?

no, but it probably depends on what you mean by "truly". T61 uses different recovery CDs/images than a T60. However, I once read that somebody was successful in installing a HD from a running T60 in a T61 (after fiddling with the SATA settings in the bios). So, assume that T60 and T61 recovery CDs/DVDs/partitions are not interchangeable. However, if you stay within the T60 family that should work, notwithstanding what Lenovo told you. Of course they are correct that there may be some driver issues. However these issues are minimal as, as soon as the system is updated through either Windows update and/or Lenovo update the correct drivers are downloaded and installed, the system has all the correct drivers it needs.
Have a look at this Lenovo page. It shows two different links for recovery CDs/DVDs for different T60/T60p systems. However, if you follow the links you'll see that the part numbers for the recovery CDs/DVDs are the same.

2. I already own a T60, shipped with Windows XP Pro. Can I clone that R&R partition and apply it to any used T60, T60p, or T61 that I might purchase, with no problems whatsoever? What if I am buying a T6x that shipped with Win XP Home edition -- will the license key on that machine work with XP Pro?

Technically and practically, it will work if you stay within the T60 family (see above). However, there are legal ramifications if you install Win XP Pro (without having a valid license key) on a computer that only has a Win XP home COA (i.e., license key).

3. If so, what is the best way to copy and apply the R&R partition from one laptop to another? By making rescue discs from the working T60? And can this be done via 1 DVD rather than multiple CDs? Or better to make an image using Acronis, Ghost, Partition Magic, or a (free) Linux LiveCD containing partition utilities?

That's probably up to personal preference. There is nothing (as far as I know) that can go wrong if you use the recovery CDs/DVDs. If you know what you are doing, then things like Acronis will work well too. I've done both and both worked well. If you only want the factory default installation, I'd go with the CD/DVD approach. I don't know how many CDs/DVDs exactly you need for a T60, but for my T61p I needed 3 DVDs. The first DVD could have been a CD (i.e., content would easily fit on a CD). The second DVD was used up to it's max of 4.5GB or so. The content of the third DVD could fit on a CD, if I remember correctly.

4. If I want to get a set of original restore CDs (or DVD?) from Lenovo, is there a part number or a certain phrase to search for on their site? Or does anyone know what number exactly to call? And what are my chances of getting this product for free rather than have to pay for it?...

Chances are 0 (as you've already found out) unless your machine is still under warranty. You could try to tell them that you burnt the media but they don't work for whatever reasons (but that depends on your personal threshold for lying and I would not recommend doing it).

[BeeJayEmm]

basketb has already given lots of great info. On the subject of Recovery disks, you might want to place a WTB (that's "Want to buy") thread in the Marketplace of this forum. Post your machine type and model number from the underside of your ThinkPad (XXXX-XXX numbers and/or letters; see my sig below). Some kind soul here may sell you a copy of their set for a very reasonable price. Good luck!