XP, Partitions, rearranging or reinstall?

[thinkpad1]

I'm not sure where to post this.

However, I figure it is related to Windows XP issues and I thought that maybe Windows XP users would have the most experience with the situation or similar situations. If I am wrong or it belongs in another section of the forum, then I apologize and please move there?

I am having an issue with partitions. I want to dual boot Windows XP and Linux although, ultimately, I probably want Windows XP and three Linux operating systems.

But, the current state of the Windows OS has to be dealt with.

I'll try, quickly as possible, to summarize what happened and the current situation.

Hardware:
Thinkpad T41, 120GB HDD (just purchased/received as I upgraded from 40GB HDD)

A copy of Windows XP Pro was cloned to the drive.

Okay, the partitions are a bit messed up, imho or maybe not messed up but I figure I have extra files and directories I don't need. I have found drivers for T30 and A30 (?) in another NTFS partition so that is what leads me to believe that the technician's drive he used contained an assortment of drivers and files that included those needed for a T41. It was convenient for him to just use a drive that contained 'everything.' At least, that is my theory.

With that said, here's the problem:

Please explain or provide options for my Thinkpad T41 HDD (IDE 120GB)

I started SystemRescueCD adn got this when I started up Gparted (/dev/sda)

Code: Select all

/dev/sda (111.79 GB)

/dev/sda1					/dev/sda5
63.99 GB					47.80 GB

Partition    	FS         Label	Size		Used		Unused		Flags
/dev/sda1  	ntfs    	         63.99 GB    4.49 GB    59.50 GB  	boot
\/ /dev/sda2	extended		    47.80 GB	           ---		---	lba
   /dev/sda5	ntfs		App	  47.80 GB	  3.00 GB     44.80 GB

I wasn't sure whether to ask the question in the Windows forum section or the Linux one but the real problem is what to do with my Windows OS and the partitions. Therefore...

For Windows users, my Disk Management looks like this:

Disk 0 - Basic - 111.79 GB- (C:) - 63.99 GB NTFS | App (E:) 47.80 GB NTFS
or
Volume
(C:) Partition NTFS 63.99 GB 59.49 GB (Free space) 92% (% Free)
App (E:) 47.80 GB 47.51 GB 92%

(D:) is my CD/DVD drive

The other NTFS partition (E:) appears to be an assortment of drivers, directories and files.

I am assuming that (C:) is mostly Windows system files. There's the typical directories, Documents and Settings, DRIVERS, Program Files, WINDOWS and some text document.

I'm noticing some files are for a T43, incidentally, and my Thinkpad is a T41.

So, my question is 'WHAT DO I DO?!?' I thought my options would be something like:

1) Shrink the partitions to like (C:) 20 GB and (D:) 20 GB
2) Re-install Windows XP Pro

I have read some threads about the COA and MS Windows license and I am not sure how I reinstall. I got some CDs when I bought the laptop (not from the guy who sold me the larger capacity drive) and I am not sure what's on there. i think it might be only a CD of the Lenovo drivers. What if it is that and not a Recovery CD?

Please advise and recommend a course of action. I have no idea....

[thinkpad1]

Okay, since no one is answering this post, can I ask what should be a more simplified question?

I hope so. Here it is, anyway: Does it matter if you install an OEM OR Retail version of XP?

I read (maybe on here) that it might be better to install an OEM version but as far as I know, IBM doesn't provide an OEM version of XP.

I thought if you download all the provided drivers and software specific to Lenovo and Thinkpads and burn them to a CD that you could use that after the general XP install.

I am asking for this info in the event that one has a damaged hard drive or is starting from scratch with a brand new one which could be any upgrade, say.

I read that there is a 'hidden' partition on the stock hard drive that comes with the Thinkpad which has the Recovery software (that allows a re-install or makes the steps easier?).

Anyway, this link is awesome and I think might be really helpful:

http://www.slideshare.net/robert99

I found it on the forum!