A31p recovery partition

[tbartold]

I purchased a R9U which turns out does not have the recovery partition. I'm not sure if that's bad or not. I don't think I've actually needed it on my other A31ps, but it *feels* right to me that it's there.

So do I need it? Should I have it? Is it more than a comfort thing?

If I want one, is the partition model specific? Can I clone my N5U drive partition, and use that? Should I? If not, where can I find an R9U specific partition anyway?

I also might want to change the drive to a 60GB (or larger), instead of the 40GB it came with. Is it worth starting from the recovery partition, or can I create install disks from one of my other A31ps?? Or can I start from an generic XP (SP2) install disk and use the COA code on the sticker?

I can clone the 40GB drive onto a new 10GB drive if that makes more sense.

If the recovery partition is not critical, does it make sense to remove it from my other A31ps and 'recover' that space?

[ajkula66]

All A31p units use the same set of recovery disks that create the partition. Hardware-or lack thereof-is recognized during the install.

There's nothing wrong with having a recovery partition, and there are many people (myself included) who choose not to have one.

Your best bet, if you want to have the partition on your new machine, is to obtain a set of recovery disks and do a clean install, then eliminate any software that you don't deem necessary.

My $0.02 only...

[basketb]

If you have a habit of misplacing your recovery disks (or are worried that they could go bad), then the recovery partition is a good thing. Otherwise, it's not needed.
On the other hand, it doesn't take up that much space (maybe a couple of GB or so) and if you need that little additional space on your HD, then it is probably a good idea to think about getting a bigger HD.

[TomKroscavage]

If I want one, is the partition model specific? Can I clone my N5U drive partition, and use that?

No and Yes

[TomKroscavage]

I have been messing around a lot with my "predesktop area" and I found that if you rename the service partition it will no longer boot when you hit F11. I think when you hit F11 the Bios looks for a partition named IBM_SERVICE. So can you build a "predesktop area"from scratch like this?
1. Make a partition
2. Add DOS and boot utilities
3.Make it active, and hidden
4. Name it IBM_SERVICE
5. Hit F11 to enter the world of DOS

[Harryc]

That would be an interesting experiment. Try it and let us know how it works .

[proaudioguy]

I have been messing around a lot with my "predesktop area" and I found that if you rename the service partition it will no longer boot when you hit F11. I think when you hit F11 the Bios looks for a partition named IBM_SERVICE. So can you build a "predesktop area"from scratch like this?
1. Make a partition
2. Add DOS and boot utilities
3.Make it active, and hidden
4. Name it IBM_SERVICE
5. Hit F11 to enter the world of DOS

Definitely worth a try. In my experience when you get rid of the recovery partition, the F11 option goes away. I have never tried to keep the partition there and just install a different OS. I'd be interested in knowing the outcome.

[TomKroscavage]

I'm working on a built from scratch customized r&r right now I'll let you know asap.

[TomKroscavage]

That would be an interesting experiment. Try it and let us know how it works.

I know you all are on pins and needles waiting so here it is:
Custom R&R, Throwing a beer party in the PreDeskTop area

[TomKroscavage]

So do I need it? Should I have it? Is it more than a comfort thing?

You don't need it, but why not just remove the thinklight too?
I love the HPA as you can tell by my posts.