Upgrading to SP2 Issue

[LeslieT]

I need to upgrade Windows XP Pro to SP2 on my X40. Having had one failure on my main computer which required a C: drive re-format, XP Pro re-installation before I could re-install SP2 successfully and one success with the process on yet another computer, I’m nervous about trying to do this with only IBM Recovery disks. Anyone who’s installed SP2 knows how touchy it can be. I do NOT want anything from Norton installed (which was pre-installed). Therefore, I’m not happy that I can’t select what I want a Restore to place on my hard drive.

I partitioned my hard drive as soon as I activated the X40 so the IBM hidden partition is on the C:drive and will be deleted if I have to re-format the C:drive. Therefore, either I would have to use burned Recovery disks OR forget about any of the IBM recovery stuff and just buy a new copy of XP Pro with SP2 to install over the formatted C: drive.

My question: does the IBM recovery material contain drivers or other software critical enough to be worth going through the hassle of burning the disks, etc.? I actually prefer using Acronis TrueImage 9 for backup/recovery to anything else I’ve used (especially Retrospect which was a total disaster on my main computer). For my main computer, I was able to slipstream SP2 into a copy of the original, licensed XP Pro and burn it to a disk, but believe this to be impossible on the laptop due to the “burn once” prohibition. Consequently, I’ve come to the conclusion that the IBM Recovery methodology discriminates against knowledgeable users.

What are the experts thoughts on my best bet for accomplishing the SP2 upgrade?
LeslieT