help: hidden partition and clean XP install

I would like to install a fresh copy of Windows XP on my new Z60t to get rid of all the preloaded IBM junk ware.

When I booted up the laptop using my own OEM XP CD, I noticed there is an hidden partition:
-: Partition2 (EISA Utilities) 4142MB (359MB free)

What is this? Can I savely delete this partition? I would like to maintain the ability to use the RnR CDs to return my laptop to original factory condition. To do this complete product recovery, do I need to keep this partition?

In addition, I would like to use the XP product key that was shipped with this laptop. I read on another thread that I need to have [C:\i386] on the root directory in order to use this XP key. Does that mean that I cannot format Partition1 (IBM_Preload) to get rid of the preloaded IBM junk wares before the install?

Please help. Thanks in advance.

 

:::

I think the IBM software are very good & useful!
I will never remove them....! You are wasting your
Z60t if you do so......!

:::

 

I don't use 90% of the preloaded applications, and they all load to memory on startup. Its takes foreveeeeeer for the Windows to bootup.

 

i hope this will help.
http://www.4saad.com/WhatsNew/Fresh_XP_Install/index.htm

 

Recently I got my new Z60m with Windows XP Home edition installed on it. I formatted the C drive and installed XP pro by using my own CD. It removed all the old directories(like i386, drivers, IBM tools). I don't know that it will remove these directories.....Now i want to install the Thinkpad softwares and drivers...where can I get these softwares and drivers?....Can I return this Laptop to lenovo....will they charge me any exta money.. Please help me. Thanks in advance.

 

Still a terrible waste (of time and resources) to reinstall Windows just for that. Simply remove all the applications you don't want from the startup sequence. But what is it that loads on startup and you don't want? AFAIK, the stuff that loads is mostly useful - i.e. Hotkey control software, HD shock protection, power management.

 

If I were you dude, I would return the IBM and buy a Dell or something. The actual difference the IBM makes is its included specialized software, be it finger print reading, hard disk head auto parking etc., you name it. You paid more for these features and if you are not going to use them, do yourself a favor and get a system that does not have any, in fact go and get two systems for the same price that does not have any.

Please scan through this thread below before you decide to erase all the IBM Pre-loaded treasure.
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=35425

No problem at all, it is such a breeze to re-install all the drivers 'coz its an IBM . Depending on your system just find and install their "Software Installer" or "System Update" tool first. This tool will send your computer's configuration information to IBM, compare it with their database and will provide you with a list of all the drivers you have to install. All you have to do is put a check mark besides the drivers you want and click install. Absolutely no other user intervention required, IBM will do all the installation work for you for all the applications you have chosen to install.

Using Alfer's words, its just one of the many junk IBM provides that makes life so god-**** easy.

IMO - No offence meant at all :: peace::

 

Huh, "dude", I think I will do myself a favor and config my laptop the way I want it to be configured, and not the way you like it. Every situation is unique - just because you have your reasons for buying a IBM (for the tools), I also have my reasons (11% off sale, removeable drive for traveling, and excellent keyboard). So thanks, but no thanks, for your preposterous recommendation.

This is my 2nd IBM laptop - I am using a T42 for work, which was configured by our IT department without all the IBM preloaded software. I find it to run much faster and leaner without all the extra "bells and whistles". I'm a minimalist kind of guy.

I sense that some people here might be offended that I called the preloaded "junk ware". Okay, so perhaps they are all not junk, and some are actually useful. Don't take it personal. Its my opinion and mine only, I don't like them or need them, and thus I'm here to get help on how to get them removed. I do not store top secret data so I don't need all the security offerings. I find the fingerprint reader to be a bit sluggish and that a simple password works much faster. I wish IBM gave us the option to install these tools seperately, rather than to pre-load the laptop with EVERYTHING.

Anyway, back to the original subject - I did find some very useful information from the link above and from other threads in this forum. Thanks to those who provided constructive information. I would appreciate other useful comments on the related subject, if there are any.

Thanks, and happy new year.

 

:::

Most notebook is preloaded the softwares which is easier
for normal customer. If you don't need some of them,
you can just uninstall them at "add & remove program"
like myself once I got my Z60t.

For my case, The first things I do is to remove the Norton
craps. Other IBM tools are quite good, so I keep them.

Hope this help....!

:::

 

haha.
i agree norton is crap

 

This is exactly what I was looking for. Thanks!

Does anyone know the answer to this... If I delete the hidden partition for a clean install, will the RnR CDs allow me to do a complete product recovery, including restoring the deleted rescue partition, if I ever want to bring the laptop back to factory default condition?