Windows dead, can't start Rescue and Recovery

[colins]

Hello everyone,
I have a Thinkpad R51 running Windows XP Pro. Every time I try to start windows, I get a BSOD with an error code of either 7E or 8E. These are apparently RAM problems but I know my RAM is fine (I am currently running Knoppix off CD). My problem is that whenever I try to enter Rescue and Recovery, and try to enter the passphrase that I had configured and worked up until Windows crashed, I get an error message saying that my passphrase is not configured. When I try to restore the passphrase using the secret questions, I get a similar message, saying that these questions have not been configured either. I am not sure why this message would suddenly appear. I don't have any Rescue CDs made but I do know a friend that has an R51 as well, though it is not exactly the same machine type. Would the Recovery CDs from that machine work on this one even if they are slightly different models?
Also, is there anything I can do from Knoppix to try and fix the problem? I have access to all of the files on the hard drive but I'm not sure if there is anything I can do to fix it.

Thanks

[simonbrew]

My experience of recovery CDs is that a list of exactly which models they work for is printed on each CD, and it's correct! For example, the recovery set for my T41 says they work on: T41, T41p, R50, R50p types: 1829, 1830,1831,1832,1833,1836. Mine is a T41 2373-2FG and they worked for me..

Good luck!

[vanaya]

I would agree that some cd's will work for other model #'s. I purchased my set thru customer service and they confirmed they would work for my 2896-GZU. When I received my set it said Product Recovery CD for R40 Type 2681, 2682, 2683, 2722, 2723, 2724.

[colins]

Alright I think I understand the recovery CD issue. I may be able to obtain some from a friend who has a similar computer to mine.
I have now installed SUSE Linux onto my external hard drive and I have noticed software that can function with the embedded security chip. I am wondering if anyone knows of this software or knows how to work it. Some of the software related to this issue:
trousers, tpmdd, tpm_keyring,tpmmanager,tpmmonitor,tpm-tools.
If someone knows how to set up this software on linux and use it to set the passphrase on the security chip it would be greatly appreciated.