T30 xp preloaded issue

[JacksonFish]

Hey everyone,
I purchased a refurb T30 thru IBM and it came pre-loaded with Windows XP. I was not aware that my laptop would NOT ship with the XP operating system CD. I would like to replace the hard drive (noisy) but need some assistance with reinstalling XP without the media. I bought the computer with XP loaded in a small partition, and I own the authorization code. I contacted IBM and they told me that I could order a cd for something like 75 dollars. What a rip I thought... because I already paid for XP. Just give me the cd dog-gonnit!
Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Trevor

[mgo]

Hey everyone,
I purchased a refurb T30 I would like to replace the hard drive (noisy) but need some assistance with reinstalling XP without the media. Trevor

You machine probably came with Rescue & Recovery. This program will create a CD set that can be used to re-install the machine to factory specs. If you use that, make sure you -also- create the RESCUE BOOT CD as well. (separate operation) or R & R will not work properly should you need it.

The Rescue & Recovery job takes about two hours...(yes, that's a really long time) because the program sucks.

Instead, why not use Acronis Drive image or something similar and do it in around 12 minutes. You would get the same factory image. Acronis is around 40 dollars and worth about a million when you need it. Also spend 40 dollars more for the Acronis Disk Director for partitioning your hard drive. Sure, that's 80 dollars for the package, but again what's your time and sanity worth to you. I've used both of these programs for years with perfect results. Make sure you create the emergency boot disks for both of those programs so you can use the disks on any of your other machines, too.

Either way, use R & R anyway to create the disk set, just in case you need it down the road. It may save the day for you and would be worth it to create the set.