T41 - the hidden partition (HPA?)

[kho-tele]

Hi all,

does anyone know how to access the installation from the hidden partition?

After a reinstallation I´m not able to use the blue "IBM Access"-key.
If I press it on boot up, absolutely nothing happens!
The HDD-size shows some 6 GB "missing", so it´s probably still intact.
I´m able to make a full restore when I install R&R.

I just not able to get into the screens with the diagnostics, system restore etc.

I´d really like to get back to the situation where I´ll be able to restore the factory setup without installing any R&R.
Furthermore - I´m aware of automatic SW update (SW-installation).


Best Regards,

Ken

T41 - Denmark

[Zeitgeist]

Try this
http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... MIGR-54483

and/or use the search function of this forum.

[kho-tele]

Thanx 4 the info, but alas, it didn't work.

I have alread tried to search the forum and can´t really find a tips which helps me ...

Does anyone know how to check the status of the Predesktop Area?

Does anyone have an image of the Predesktop Area (perhaps a copy)?

This wouldn't create any legality issues as I already own the included XP OEM license (and theres even another one sticked to the bottom of the chassis!)

And if anyone in Denmark have a T41, please could you reply to me?


Best to you all,


Ken

[Zeitgeist]

If your T41 is younger than 3 years IBM should send you the recovery CDs.

[kho-tele]

Yes, I´ve got the restore CDs from IBM - no problem there.

But I can´t still force the TP restore using the "Access IBM" key, as I´m not able to access the icon menu by the "Access IBM".

The blue button just doesn´t act as it should do ... - it´s like it was dead????

The motherboard has just been replaced as the LAN-port hat committed suicide.
The repair guy flashed it to newest BIOS and Embedded Controller levels.

I´ve also tried to repair the bootsector through the "rnrrepair.exe", no dice!

I really would like to be able to take the TP on the road without the CDs (and it´s much easier to let the machine do the restore and not be bothered with the CD changes).

I know that many wants to install a clean Windows, but I hate the fact that I´m "shut out" of this choice!

This TP has just had it´s first birthday

I wonder if anyone has a copy of the predesktop area (image?) ????

Best Regards 2 U all,

Ken

[Zeitgeist]

Again, do the following:

1. Delete ALL partitions of your hdd with e.g. fdisk, do NOT create any partition.

2. Change the boot order, cd first, permanently.

3. Insert the first CD, follow the instructions on the screen.

4. First the hpa will be created and then the recovery process will start from the hpa.

You could use the search function (keywords "hpa", "recovery", "restore" etc) of this forum.

[kho-tele]

Thank - finally the smoke is clearing inside my head ....
I´ll try this tomorrow ....



Best Regards,

Ken

[Zeitgeist]

P.S. I just saw you have the t41 model, which still uses a bios protected HPA. Before deleting all partitions you must "unhide" the hpa in the bios.

[kho-tele]

OK..

but the T41 restore CD will still create the infamous HPA?


Best Regards,

Ken

[Zeitgeist]

YES!!!

[kho-tele]

Just a simple comment:

It works!

Thanks!

[sktn77a]

So, with a T40/T41 just running the recovery CDs won't replace the HPA without unlocking the BIOS first and then FDISKing it???

[Ted_E]

[quote="kho-tele"]Hi all,

does anyone know how to access the installation from the hidden partition?

For finding out what is where on your hard drive, even hidden partitions, it is very hard to beat DFSee available from Jan vanWyjk at
http://www.fsys.nl/

His software will hadle the file structures used by Windoze, OS/2 and Linux. It's what I
used for shrinking the W2K on my T23 and setting up partitions for eCS. I also used it to
save a partition image for the repair partition.

Ted