Recreate hidden partition after installing newer OS (Vista)

[jang]

I currently have WinXP Home in my T60. I plan to install WinXP Pro or Vista Business. Any way I can create my hidden partition afterwards? This way, I don't have to bring backup CD/DVDs around.

Used to be there's a Rapid Restore program that would create the hidden partition for you after installation. With the new T60, what do you use to create this Recovery partition?

[SHoTTa35]

as far as i know you can't upgrade the OS and then have Rapid Restore restore that OS again. If the machine didn't come with it then no rapid restore for you.

I rather a clean format each time but to each his own

[jang]

I remember a colleague told me that he downloaded Rapid Restore from IBM website. But the download is available for T23 (his old laptop). Nowadays, this option isn't available for T60. I would hate to use 3rd party application such as acronis. I want everything to be integrated to Thinkpad and Thinnkpad buttons.