Restoring a Blank HD to factory defaults (including the hidden partition) [T400, Vista x64]

Hi,
Background info:
I'm installing linux, and instead of asking about everything at once, I'm separating my problems into multiple questions.
I plan to remove all partitions, make new ones (adding an extra one for linux) and then use the recover stuff to bring back windows
The main question (this one), is:
If I completely clear the hard drive of all partitions, and then re partition to include one extra linux (ext3) partition, can I use the "Product Recovery CDs" (the 14 cds that I have burnt using the thinkvantage software) to restore the computer to the exact factory default state? i.e., will it:
1) Completely restore vista
2) Restore the hidden recovery partition (I understand the CDs also act as a recovery partition, but there's 14 of them... I don't know how well I can maintain that many CDs, so I'd rather have another copy on the HD)
3) Not screw up the thinkvantage "stuff" (this is my first lenovo, so I'm not sure, but I want to make sure the support software doesn't go nuts once it notices there's an extra partition, etc.)
Thanks in advance.

It's you topic, so you decide what is on topic or not.
Here is the relevant part of my menu.lst:
### END DEBIAN AUTOMAGIC KERNELS LIST
# This is a divider, added to separate the menu items below from the Debian
# ones.
title        Other operating systems:
root
# This entry automatically added by the Debian installer for a non-linux OS
# on /dev/sda1
title        Microsoft Windows XP Professional
root        (hd0,0)
savedefault
makeactive
chainloader    +1
# This entry automatically added by the Debian installer for a non-linux OS
# on /dev/sda4
title        Thinkvantage Rescue and Recovery
root        (hd0,3)
savedefault
makeactive
chainloader    +1
I'm running Linux Mint which is a modified Ubuntu 8.04.
T60 2623-D7U, 3 GB Ram. Dual boot XP and Linux Mint.
T400 2765-T7U Windows 7
Registered Linux User #160145
FYI: I am not employed by Lenovo

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    Message Edited by zoltanthegypsy on 01-07-2009 06:47 AM
    Message Edited by zoltanthegypsy on 01-07-2009 06:48 AM
    Message Edited by zoltanthegypsy on 01-07-2009 06:50 AM
    Message Edited by zoltanthegypsy on 01-07-2009 06:53 AM
    Message Edited by zoltanthegypsy on 01-07-2009 08:00 AM
    The large print: please read the Community Participation Rules before posting. Include as much information as possible: model, machine type, operating system, and a descriptive subject line. Do not include personal information: serial number, telephone number, email address, etc.  The fine print: I do not work for, nor do I speak for Lenovo. Unsolicited private messages will be ignored. ... GeezBlog
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