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    Recovering the MBR partition (for factory install)

    Discussion in 'Lenovo' started by arlab, Jan 19, 2008.

  1. arlab

    arlab Notebook Evangelist

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    The hidden partition is still there. The problem's that it isn't recognized anymore.
    According to Lenovo, this should do the trick: http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site.wss/MIGR-54483.html.
    I'm using Vista, so the right file for me is the " rnr40_rrd.exe".

    First of all, I can't run this file with Vista. I get the following error: "Win32 isn't a valid application".
    But I have Win XP in my desktop (and also a floppy disk). I make a floppy disk using the rnr40_rrd.exe and create a bootable USB drive from the diskette (using this neat, free and user-friendly program).

    Unfortunately when I put it in my T61p I get the following error: "Write protect error writing drive A / Abort, retry, fail?". Got the same result using a bootable CD ( using these steps with MagicISO).

    Anyone knows why this happens?
    Also, anyone has (or can make) a bootable ISO of the rnr40_rrd.exe? A tested version that doesn't make the above errors appear would be nice.

    Searched all over the internet and couldn't find a well explained guide. Thanks.
     
    arlab, Jan 19, 2008
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  2. Arki

    Arki Super Moderator

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    Arki, Jan 19, 2008
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  3. arlab

    arlab Notebook Evangelist

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    Yes. No changes.
     
    arlab, Jan 19, 2008
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  4. Jackboot

    Jackboot Notebook Deity

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    This is a very frustrating problem :( Many people (like myself) don't have a floppy drive and therefore cannot use the Lenovo supplied solution. But even that floppy solution isn't working for you so...

    Strangely, I had the same problem as you. I did an upgrade to Home Premium on my notebook (which originally came with Home Basic) and lost the functionality of the Thinkvantage button upon bootup (no predesktop area).

    I just installed the latest Rescue & Recovery (4.2, as linked above) and the problem is fixed - I can now boot into the predesktop area and do a factory restore if I wish.

    Perhaps try uninstalling the version of R&R that you currently have, then re-installing the latest version. Anyway, it worked for me!

    edit: I should also mention that I recently did the exact same thing to my girlfriend's X60s: pre-installed XP -> home premium upgrade -> installed newest R&R -> predesktop area/thinkvantage button works and allows the option of factory restore.
     
    Jackboot, Jan 20, 2008
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  5. arlab

    arlab Notebook Evangelist

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    Weird. Reinstalling Rescue & Recovery solved the problem... But I could only after a few (4?) reboots...
     
    arlab, Jan 20, 2008
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