Repartition without deleting HPA?

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mytp · #1 Post by **mytp** » Sat Jan 01, 2005 5:31 pm

I've read through many posts in this forum about recovery CD's, repartitioning, HPA, etc., but it's still not clear to me if it's possible to repartition the standard XP partition that the T42p is configured with -- without having to delete the "hidden" pre-desktop-area/HPA/PARTIES. My intention is to let the HPA remain on the HD, and to add at least one partition for data, and possibly another partition for Linux. I'm planning to use a partition tool like BootItNG, but is what I want to do at all possible?

#2 Post by **jdhurst** » Sat Jan 01, 2005 5:52 pm

I have used Partition Magic to re-partition the main XP Partition and it did not damage the Pre-Desktop Area. In fact, according to the White Paper on the Pre-Desktop Area, it is supposed to work that way. ... JD Hurst

cchsiao · #3 Post by **cchsiao** » Sat Jan 01, 2005 7:29 pm

Once you secure your predesktop (the hidden partition), you should be able to partition your HDD without deleting it. After I got my T42p, I tried to reinstall (and of course partition the HDD) the OS. I used the XP installation CD to partition my HDD during the installation process (i.e., without using other special softwares), and it works fine. The problem is that if you still wanna have control of that hidden partition (i.e., the Access IBM button works), you have to install the rescure and recovery tool which you can download from
http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... IGR-4Q2QAK

gengar · #4 Post by **gengar** » Sat Jan 01, 2005 7:47 pm

The MBR restore file was enough for me to regain AccessIBM/Rescue+Recovery system on my T42p 2373HVU.

http://www-1.ibm.com/support/docview.ws ... MIGR-54483

You do need a bootable floppy drive, however, as the utility needs write capabilities. For whatever reason.

chrisnyc · #5 Post by **chrisnyc** » Sun Jan 02, 2005 2:35 am

Cchsiao wrote that once you secure your predesktop area (hidden partition), you should be able to partition your hard drive -- using Partion Magic, for example.

What does that mean -- how exactly do you "secure" the predesktop hidden partition ?

I absolutely want to have several partitions -- C for Windows XP and all programs, and a couple others (data, music, pictures).

If I just install Partition Magic on my new T42 -- after making the restore CD's or more likely ordering them from IBM -- is that OK -- will the hidden partition remain ?

Thanks -- I'd really like a clear answer on this.

mytp · #6 Post by **mytp** » Sun Jan 02, 2005 4:41 am

JD -- Before I begin the partitioning process, do I need to unhide the HPA?

cchsiao -- I don't have an XP installation CD, as I never purchased XP separately -- besides the copy installed on my T42p, so (as far as I understand) I need to use a separate partitioning utility, like PM or BootItNG in order to partition my HDD. If I'm mistaken I would appreciate it if you would let me know.

gengar -- Is the utility you refer to usable with Rescue and Recovery V2?

cchsiao · #7 Post by **cchsiao** » Sun Jan 02, 2005 6:51 am

chrisnyc wrote:Cchsiao wrote that once you secure your predesktop area (hidden partition), you should be able to partition your hard drive -- using Partion Magic, for example.

What does that mean -- how exactly do you "secure" the predesktop hidden partition ?

What I mean by "secure your predesktop" is to set it up in the BIOS. Inside the BIOS option, you should be able to choose among "secure", "normal" and "xxxx" (I forget what that is) in the predesktop setting.

I don't know anything about partitionmagic, so... I don't really know how to use it to partition your HDD.

cchsiao · #8 Post by **cchsiao** » Sun Jan 02, 2005 7:00 am

mytp wrote:cchsiao -- I don't have an XP installation CD, as I never purchased XP separately -- besides the copy installed on my T42p, so (as far as I understand) I need to use a separate partitioning utility, like PM or BootItNG in order to partition my HDD. If I'm mistaken I would appreciate it if you would let me know.

You can create an installation CD via the I386 folder inside your HDD. Please check http://www.4saad.com/WhatsNew/Fresh_XP_ ... /index.htm for further information.

Once you build your installation CD, just put it into your CD-ROM, and then restart the computer. You will be able to enter the installation process. There is a step in which you can decide where to install XP. At that step, try to first delete the original partition and then partition the HDD. Remember, not to delete the predesktop partition (which will be shown on the screen, but it's easy to recognize that partition).

This is how I partitioned my HDD, simply by using the installation CD. Good luck on everything.

#9 Post by **jdhurst** » Sun Jan 02, 2005 7:55 am

mytp wrote:JD -- Before I begin the partitioning process, do I need to unhide the HPA?

No. I have created new partitions with Partition Magic with no changes to the Predeskop area, and I was able to reimage the machine with F11. I don't have that running anymore (I use VMware instead) so I can't test it just now. ... JD Hurst

Repartition without deleting HPA?

Repartition without deleting HPA?

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