Can the IBM recovery CD create the IBM HPA on my new HDD?

[Thinkfunny]

I have installed a new HDD and I wonder if I can just use the IBM recovery CD to make my system as it is from the factory. I want to get everything the same as IBM preload on my new HDD.

Can the IBM recovery CD create the IBM Hidden Partition Area on the new HDD for me?

Thanks.

[christopher_wolf]

Yes it can, the RnR disk set, either the ones you burn yourself or get from IBM/Lenovo, will restore everything on the Thinkpad; this includes the HPA.

[Thinkfunny]

Thank Christopher, so after I replacing my new HDD, I just use the IBM Recovery CD set to restore everything back on my new HDD. Am I correct?

Moreover, I have more question about the IBM access button. If I have my IBM with the IBM preload and then I want to install a fresh windows XP by myself on drive C. Will this cause the IBM access button work improperly? I means I can not access the IBM HPA by pressing this button when the system boots up. As my understand, the IBM access button driver will be installed in drive C. I want to ask how can I install a fresh windows XP but the IBM HPA still works (also IBM access button) so I can roll back to the initial state (IBM preload) if I want. I am realy new to Thinkpad so I want to make sure that I can roll back if I screw up my system. Thank you in advance again.