Advice on getting Win XP recovery disks

[saga]

Hi all,

I am getting an IBM Thinkpad T42 with Win XP Pro installed; however, without any discs (CDs or DVDs). After reading posts on this group I understand that there -should- be a hidden partition on the hard drive from which I can recover the OS or create the recovery discs. Is this correct? If so, how do I know whether my particular Thinkpad has this hidden partition?

My next thought is that if I can't create the recovery discs, perhaps I should order them from IBM/Lenovo. Is this train of thought correct? Once I have the notebook (I should be getting it over the weekend) what is recommended? Should I get the recovery discs? Should I just let that go? I am at the crossroads, any orientation is appreciated. Thank you.

[ARD]

When you boot up your T42, press F11.
If nothing happens, chances are your HD was formatted
and it has no hidden recovery partition.

If you like the idea of having a factory fresh system, then get the recovery cds from Lenovo.

You can also create your own recovery disks with
the Rescue & Recovery app at the Lenovo website.
This app backs up the entire operating system that you installed from scratch along with your preferred settings.

[RealBlackStuff]

Alternatively, post a WTB (want to buy) in our Marketplace forum.
Plenty people can burn you such a set and mail it to you cheaper than Lenovo.