T42 Recovery nightmare

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Andy M · #1 Post by **Andy M** » Fri Dec 07, 2007 7:05 am

Got a major problem now guys.
The 7 CD R & R pack was created successfully, I boot using the first CD into RnR and then choose restore system.
After clicking accept, it then starts copying files from the CD X:\Preboot.
Once it gets about 95% done, an error pops up saying theres not enough disk space, and that TVT_RES.dll could not be copied.

Ive booted into partition manager, and noticed its created a 600MB partition on the HDD, and obviously this is not big enough. But why would it do this if there isn't enough space?

So I'm thinking of using partition magic to extend the partition by about 300Mb, copying the remaining files off the CD onto it, and hoping it will then boot from the HDD to complete Rescue and Recovery.

Searching the forum this problem has happened once before, and no-one replied to the guys post.

andyP · #2 Post by **andyP** » Fri Dec 07, 2007 7:32 am

What I would try is the following; set the predesktop area in bios to disbled, then I would use Secure Data Disposal at it's lowest level on the hdd. Reset the predesktop area to normal and run the recovery cds.

Andy M · #3 Post by **Andy M** » Fri Dec 07, 2007 7:57 am

Hi ive set the predesktop area to disabled so I can access it through the OS, however Im confused on what that program will do.
As it is RnR has created a small partition to copy boot files over, however the partition isn't big enough so file copying aborted near the end.
Ive now resized the partition, and now im stuck on how to copy the files from the CD to the C:\ partition.
Booting to DOS works however C:\ doesnt become visible, it sets C:\ to the cd rom drive and A:\ to the DOS tools memory area.
C is visible to partition manager but not to DOS.

Ive now resorted to installing XP in another partition, use windows explorer to copy the cd files into the partition, then erase the XP partition and then continue RnR

andyP · #4 Post by **andyP** » Fri Dec 07, 2007 8:09 am

The diabled setting for the predesktop allows the installation / service partion to be reclaimed or deleted, that's why I suggested using SDD. When it is then re-set to normal the recovery cds will create the service partition again, correctly. I don't believe it will work if you just copy the cds into the partition, the cds need to install a WinPE system in order to make it functional.

Andy M · #5 Post by **Andy M** » Fri Dec 07, 2007 11:35 am

The recovery CD's are creating a partition. The problem is each time, it is not big enough.

Ive even used the XP boot CD to delete all partitions leaving it one big 40Gb unpartitioned space. I then ran the RnR and it still did the same problem. Its as if the instructions on how big to create the partition are incorrect.

Well it is well and truly fubarred now anyway.

Next question. Obviously it was preloaded with XP OEM and a sticker on the base with the key, would I have to purchase another copy of windows now, or will any OEM cd work, with inputting my key?

#6 Post by **richk** » Fri Dec 07, 2007 12:11 pm

Easy question first: If you recover using recover CDs, it will never ask you for a key. You need to get the disk erased. After setting the predesktop area to disabled, you need to run some sort of low-level erase. If you have an Hitachi disk, drive fitness test will work. If not, any security erase program is fine - use the simplest (quickest) erase that rewrites every sector. Then rebool tint oth BIOS and set the predesktop area back to normal. Then, start the recovery.

SlamX · #7 Post by **SlamX** » Sat Dec 08, 2007 5:02 pm

For what it's worth I never have liked the factory restore partitions. Not really worth anything if the whole HD dies. Immediately after I get my laptop configured the way I want it I use a 3rd party imaging program. These will restore to exact configuration you had at the very start. They are inexpensive very reliable and easy to use.

I'd suggest Acronis, Drive Image older versions like 5, 6, or 7 if you can find them and Ghost. Ghost I like the least. The best I have used is Acronis.

#8 Post by **carbon_unit** » Sat Dec 08, 2007 6:28 pm

That's all well and good but if you want a factory preload like the OP you will have to use the recovery set to create the restore partition and then restore windows from there. Once you have the preload version of windows you can make an image, put it on removable media, wipe the hard drive and restore the image from there.
The reasoning for the restore partition is that if you are away from your recovery media and you blow up windows really bad, you can save your data and recover to factory condition and restore your data while on the road. At least you can use your machine until you get home. If you use R&R to create backups and put those in the hidden partition it would be even easier to get back up and running.
The recovery set also adds value when you go to sell the machine someday. The next guy might like all those Lenovo apps.

#9 Post by **richk** » Sat Dec 08, 2007 7:05 pm

Adding to what carbon_unit said, when I sell machines, buyers consider the recovery partition a feature. If R&R backups are made, you can boot into the hidden partition to restore your backups from another device. As far as I know, you cannot put your backups into the hidden partition.

#10 Post by **carbon_unit** » Sat Dec 08, 2007 7:46 pm

Sorry, I must have got that confused with the "Acronis Secure Zone".
It allows you to partition off some hidden space and put images in there. Then you can have an "F11" feature to boot right into acronis and restore from the hidden partition.

T42 Recovery nightmare

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