Are CDs the only way to create new T43 recovery partition?

[SteveS]

Here is the story: I bought a T41p on e-bay with dead system board. I also bought a used T43 system board with memory, processor, etc. I also have another T43 with the same system board FRU. Is it possible to create a create a new drive image by cloning the drive from my working T43, install it into the “new” one made up from parts, and run the restore to create a new “IBM_PRELOAD” (working C drive) image? Or do I need to use one of the CD sets I see on e-bay?

Since the T41p has a valid COA, I think the XP license should be valid. Are the files in the recovery partition individualized to a specific serial number, configuration, or series (T43)?

[carbon_unit]

Why not make a set of recovery discs in the good T43 and then use them to install on your hybrid T43? The recovery discs are handy to have anyway. The licensing will be OK.

[bill bolton]

Is it possible to create a create a new drive image by cloning the drive from my working T43, install it into the “new” one made up from parts, and run the restore to create a new “IBM_PRELOAD” (working C drive) image?

In theory it is possible, but its not the sort of operation which is done very often by end users.... so there's probably only one way to find out if it would really work!

As long as both ThinkPads are displaying legitimate, physical Microsoft COAs for the operating system concerned, there will be no Microsoft licencing issues in doing that.

Cheers,

Bill B.

[richk]

I have played around with this, and if I remember correctly, T43 only works if you use the same size HDD. T41/T40 use HPA and are more complicated to do, but it is possible. It works better if you run the cloning software from the thinkpad. (I use Acronis emergencr recovery CD). If you mofe the image thru a desktop, it keeps trying to make an MBR that won't work in a thinkpad.