T43: Restore from IBM Service Partition fails. NTLDR error

[crashnburn]

T43: Restore from IBM Service Partition fails NTLDR missing

T43 issue. I'd like to restore my C: to Factory install using the Service / Restore Partition on the HDD. I dont have the CDs/ Disks and not worth the effort to buy them.

When I went through: 'Access IBM' > Options - F11 > Repair / Restore Option.... I get NTLDR missing. What direction do I need to go to make my Hidden Partition functional again. I read some stuff here n there about the MBR fix etc.

Please point me in the right direction.

[RealBlackStuff]

Your service partition is no longer usable.
Get the Restore CDs.

[crashnburn]

I havent touched that partition so I am guessing there is some fix as its lying there intact.. ? Or is it JUST NOT INTACT anymore? Is there some kinda MBR fix thing that I read about online?

[MnR]

Hi,

What RBS said is true. Can you still boot the laptop? Or is your operating system wiped by the restore try?

The MBR fix you are thinking about only works on the operating system that is installed NOT on the restore partition.

Get the restore disks. They only cost around $30.00. After you use them you can either sell them or sell them with the laptop when you sell it. They are a good selling feature.

MnR

[crashnburn]

Kept the restore partition. Formatted the C: using a Partition Management tool, and installed an HP OEM XP Pro SP3 (I have HP & Dell OEM CDs and heard that they work on TPs). It wasnt pre-activated / recognized so it brought the haev to 90 day Activation thingy, so after installing the network drivers, went for online activation.. it popped up a screen for serial.. so entered the COA Key into it. Worked.

Probably not optimal, but got it installed and activated using the COA. Is there a better way out?

Thoughts / comments?

[GomJabbar]

Possible fix: Rescue and Recovery - Recovery repair diskette (RBS could also be correct that the service partition is corrupted)

Also, there is this (not likely for your situation): Rescue and Recovery - Master boot record repair kit

Not sure, but with the T43 you might need to set the BIOS to ACHI mode to use the R&R factory restore. Try booting R&R directly by pressing F11 at the BIOS splash screen. NOTE: R&R will not boot if you have reinstalled Windows not using R&R unless you apply the "Rescue and Recovery - Recovery repair diskette". AFAIK, Predesktop security needs to be set to normal (or perhaps secure) in the BIOS to boot Rescue and Recovery.