Refreshing a thinkpad process

[dvsjr]

Hi all

Basic outline: I need to "refresh" windows from time to time, where with a typical setup you would insert a windows cd, and from the repair menu, you would reinstall the base system, leaving work files etc intact, while also rejuvenating the PC.

I know that the Lenovo Thinkvantage method employs the rescue and recovery software which requires capturing the state of the HD and saving it as a backup or image, but this has not been easy for me to script or implement.

Does anyone have advice or experience refreshing a windows xp thinkpad in the former manner? With the system for the thinkpad on the hidden partition and different than just using a CD, is there a way? I have Windows OS media and legal serials for XP, would a reinstall of a different copy of the same OS work?

your thoughts and help are appreciated.

d