Recovery Console Issues

[epic]

I have a few issues and looking for some advice here and I've almost had it with installing a full version of XP to recover my factory IBM image from the hidden partition. So far, this is my third attempt this afternoon.

I would have been finished if I was able to use my Product key with my xp cd, but since it does not match I am unable to.

So to explain what I have done so far. Originally this system did not come preloaded with the IBM Product Recovery software installed on it so I had to download and install the software from a fresh install of XP (which is a full version and different product key used for my home PC). After installing the software and restarted I was able to boot into the IBM Product Recovery application, which I then initiated the Factory Restore setting. The Thinkpad started the process of installing the software and once it had completed it rebooted with the message "invalid system disk" press any key to continue, so I checked if any media was left in the drive and as I suspected nothing was inserted. I then restarted the machine thinking it could just be an error, again I was greated with the same message after it booted. After the message displayed I decided to reboot the machine and load the IBM Recovery application and this time I was unable to boot into it. So, I was forced to install the retail version again. Now, I sit here installing the Software Installer from IBM's site and wondering what to do next...

If all else fails.. is there any way I can create an unattended cd from the retail version using the IBM ThinkPad Product Key? I attempted sysprep prior to installing the IBM Product Recovery software the first time, but failed to install as it states the product key is invalid. Is there a way to create a restore cd using the contents of the hidden partition?

Any other advice other's may have?

[NJ_IT]

If all else fails.. is there any way I can create an unattended cd from the retail version using the IBM ThinkPad Product Key? I attempted sysprep prior to installing the IBM Product Recovery software the first time, but failed to install as it states the product key is invalid. Is there a way to create a restore cd using the contents of the hidden partition?

Any other advice other's may have?

I had a similar experience as you said.
I think you can not use IBM Factory Recovery Process with IBM R&R software from Hidden Protected Area ,AFTER ANOTHER XP is installed.
Always say 'Invalid product key'.
So,you have to make a choice that is,,,
1) Fresh XP installation without IBM Factory Recovery functionality
or
2) Recovered XP from Hard drive Hidden Area by using IBM Factory Recovery Process.

If you use 2),you should refer to following link (Access IBM Predesktop Area document)

http://www-3.ibm.com/pc/support/site.ws ... 46023.html

In this pdf file, refer to Appendix portion.
You can back-up IBM Factory Recovery command and Data to external media.
After ERASE the entire hard drive area as Document indicates, you can restore the original IBM Factory Recovery Data to blank Hard Drive and try a Factory Recovery sequence.
Please try it !! but at your own risk!

BTW, Is it the right topic for this thread??

[GomJabbar]

Is there a way to create a restore cd using the contents of the hidden partition?

Read through sticky at the top of the Windows OS forum here: "How to Fresh Install Win XP (Step-by-Step Guide)".