Is the factory restore image individualized to the model?

[SteveS]

I have some questions on the factory restore image in the T4x hidden partition.
How customized is the “Factor restore” image? Does Lenovo generate a unique one for each individual PC? Or is it a superset of any hardware configuration for a given model (T43 for example)? Is it updated with the latest drivers at the time of manufacture of the ThinkPad?

I learned from experience that if you do a factory restore and forget to have the CD-RW/DVD drive in during the install, it does not load Record Now.

Finally, if the computer was ordered with software such as MS Office, is this on the restore image or does Lenovo just ship a full install OEM disk with install key and let the user install it?

[awolfe63]

I don't think so. When I ordered the CDs from IBM, they just wanted to know what series I had. Also - I think I've used T40 restore disks to setup a T42 then used system update to get all the rest of the drivers.

[richk]

The image depends on the CD set only.

[underclocker]

It is a "superset". There are also several versions (usually) of for each "family" of machines/models.

For instance, the same set works on T41, T41p, R50, R50p & some R51 models. This set also works just fine on T40 models, too. As versions of software change, the restore disks are updated. For instance, the first T40 restore disks didn't have the SP1 patch for WinXP, the current ones certainly do (maybe even SP2).

Some T43 and R52 models overlap and use the same restore disks/image.

As you've noticed, there is a discovery portion of the factory installation that ensures that the software installed matches your hardware. Therefore, you get the CD burner software if a CD burner is installed, you get DVD playback software, if a DVD player is supported, you get Cisco wifi utilities if a Cisco card is installed, etc.

So, the restore information is generic and a "superset", but after running the factory restore, you get a custom, streamlined installation tailored to your machine. Quite nice.