Unable to create RnR recovery media on Z60m

Question

I have a Z60m (2529-FKG) with XP Pro. I intend to replace the HD (100GB -> 300GB) and at the same time reinstall XP.
Q1) I have an XP Pro OEM CD. Can I just use that to install, using the XP Pro key from my Z60m? Which XP Pro key should I use -- the one from the bottom of the machine, or the "-OEM-" one that System Properties shows, or the one shown by the "secret keyfinder" utilities?
Q2) Once I have a clean XP Pro install, I'll need to install a limited set of drivers (and possibly selected tools e.g. power manager) from the ThinkVantage set. Will I still be able to install these on a "non-factory" XP Pro install? Does the "check its a Lenovo/IBM" check the BIOS string or the OS or check for existence of the recovery partition or what?
I want to retain the option of the RnR recovery partition functionality (in case I ever decide I really really wanted the bloatware-version of XP Pro that it gives me...).
I hadn't previously created RnR recovery media so I tried to create the media using Start->ThinkVantage->Create Recovery Media. It fails with an "encountered a problem; send error report" dialog.
I am currently on RnR 3.0.027. Lenovo support wouldn't send me the media without charge and suggested I upgrade to a later version of RnR instead. I downloaded the 3.0.{025,027} -> 3.1.042 upgrade, but it fails to install claiming that the installed copy of Rescue and Recovery - Client Security Solution.msi "does not match the installed source". The notes for RnR 4.2 state that it can't be used to upgrade RnR 3.0.x, and that it requires CSS 8.2 (I currently have CSS 6.0 installed).
Q3) Should I uninstall RnR 3.0 & CSS 6.0 then install RnR 4.2 and CSS8.2? Will that cause any problems? I don't have any "secure drive" files, or any backups I need to keep (I'll be making a new set using standard tools). But I do have fingerprint security configured for power/disk passwords...
Q4) Or can I copy the recovery partition and keep the "press blue" functionality some other way e.g. by using a partition copying tool (or Linux dd /dev/sdaX ...) to copy the MBR and the recovery partition onto the new drive? Does it matter which primary partition the recovery partition goes onto?
Thanks in advance
Misha

Answer 1

hello mishad welcome to the forums
A1)you say that you have an OEM version of xp?does it belong to lenovo?did it come with your system??you can usually use such kind of cd's with recovery cd set you obtain with your computer.
regarding your other query no you cannot use the key from the COA sticker on your system  to install the OEM version of xp you have
A2)if you want to create recovery media in the future and ensure that the hidden partition is created then you have to make the recovery media from the hidden partition of your system only
A3)if you install the OEM verison of xp(which  OEM does it belong to?)you have to activate your system manually that would mean you are not using a licensed copy of windows coz that OEM cd was not intented to be installed on your system
if you clearly read the  EULA of microsoft you can notice that xp can be installed only on one pc at a time..so i think you got my point
A4)regarding the thinkwantage technologies issue yeah you may be able to install the power option and all no doubt...the bios does not check whether its your xp or not for that purpose
A5)but if you do use the xp(OEM) one which you intend to install the BIOS will check for it.......rememebr your copy of windows you obtained from lenovo is PRE-ACTIVATED at the factory itself.......
A6)in any case use the recovery cds from the xp you have from lenovo aka the hidden partition in the future if you want to reformat every thing the hidden partition will be created by the lenovo recovery discs once again.IF YOU USE OTHER XP CD YOU MAY NOT BE ABLE TO CREATE A RECOVERY PARITION ON THE NEW HDD
hope this info helps
Cheers and regards,
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