IBM hidden partition question

[Rhodan]

Hi,

I'd appreciate it if you guys could answer some questions for me. I received my T43 yesterday, and I want to re-install XP and Linux. I have created the recovery disks.

My questions are:

1. Do I need to disable the hidden partition in the bios before deleting it ?
2. Will the recovery disks restore that hidden partition should I decide to go back to how it was originally setup when I received it ?

Thanks in advance !

[jdhurst]

1. Yes
2. Yes

Which, then, begs the question: Why?

I haven't yet seen a good explanation for deleting the PreDesktop Area. A good solution (since re-imaging via CD or PreDesktop Area reclaims the entire hardrive) is to use the PreLoad (and set it up properly); then use Partition Magic (or some such) to reduce the first partition; and then install Linux in the remaining area.

[G-Man]

I still have the hidden partition. But I'm not using much of my hard disk space as others (still have 19gigs). If you need that few gigs extra space, delete it, with the Recovery Set in your hands, you can restore in anytime.

Regards,
G-Man

[Marc_G]

I've got an 80 GB drive and never transfered the predesktop area to it (from the original 60 GB drive).

In general, I think it is fairly useless. If I ever needed to do a completely clean install, I would use the recovery disks. But for most recovery needs, I'll use a backup image containing all my software, that restores in 15 minutes. I use Acronis these days.

Anyway, the IBM Service Partition uses up 4- 5 GB on the HD. Can't imagine wasting that much HD space.

Marc

EDIT: This is just my opinion, from where I sit, based on my own needs. People often treat backup strategies and hard drive usage like quasi-religious aspects of their lives. I'm not trying to start a religious war here!