Wow, thanks for the info. So you can't even buy another copy of Windows to install on that laptop without a key. Yikes.
Chris > On 9/24/07, Christian Seberino <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: >> I want my wife to try Ubuntu on her laptop but I'd like to >> not blow away the "hidden Windows partition" on it. >> >> I'm told somehow there is a hidden Windows dealie on the laptop to allow >> restoration should someone mess up their software? >> >> Anyone know how this works and how to avoid damaging it while installing >> Linux ? >> >> cs >> > > Oh, those damn hidden restore partitions. Definitely image that drive > before you do anything else. I have a Lenovo that came with XP Home > that had one of those stupid things. I bought it, created the restore > DVD as per the instructions and it tested fine. I figured I'd just go > ahead and dual boot it with XP Pro. Little did I realize at the time > how integral that partition was. Figuring I could restore from the > restore DVD I'd just created if need be, I DBANed the drive and tried > to install my retail copy of XP Pro. It wouldn't install. It got to > the first setup screen and then the screen went blank. I have since > used this same XP disk on a subsequent laptop and there was no > trouble, so the disk wasn't bad. I came to find out that the partition > has some sort of encrypted key that will not allow XP to install > without it. I tried to restore from the restore DVD I'd created, and > the also failed at the same place. The Lenovo support site just showed > me how to create another restoer DVD online. I did -- no joy. It seems > you have to buy a restore disk if the hidden partition is wiped out. I > also tried a BIOS upgrade just in case that was a problem. Nothing. > > Fortunately, Linux loaded just fine, and I am still using the laptop > as a Linux-only box. This is an annoying trend in Branded PCs and > laptops. You rarely get a set of restore disks on the cheaper PCs any > more and are expected to create a restore DVD or set of CDs from the > files in the hidden partition. Wipe that hidden partition or have it > corrupted by a virus, and you're screwed if the restore disks fail and > want to reinstall Windows. > > Robert Donovan > > > -- > [email protected] > http://www.kernel-panic.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/kplug-list > > _______________________________________ Christian Seberino, Ph.D. 1579 MORENA BLVD #D-19 SAN DIEGO, CA 92110 Phone: (619) 573-4233 Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] _______________________________________ -- [email protected] http://www.kernel-panic.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/kplug-list
