IBM Computer but no Recovery Disk (XP-Pro)

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I’ve just bought an IBM machine with XP Pro from IBM Australia. The machine was delivered without a recovery disk. Rang IBM. They say you don’t need one because all of the source software is on a different partition on the hard disk so if you need to re-install then it is all there. When asked what happens if a disk crashes they say send the machine to us to replace the disk and they’ll install the software. When asked what to do when we need the source disk to install software on another non-XP machine to run, for example, remote desk top, they say “nobody in their right mind would want to remote connect from a non-XP machine”.

Reading the fine print on the IBM web site they say that not all software supplied has “full functionality”.

I can’t believe that IBM are trying to save a few cents in the cost of a CD-ROM. I see the dark hand of Microsoft here who want to limit the number of XP disks around to prevent use by people who have cracked the activation code.

What do other Loungers think about this trend to not supply the source OS software?

Bambara

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I think it stinks.

I think it is a very good reason to avoid manufacturers who do things like this.

I think I am glad that I know how to build my own systems and never have to rely on a manufacturer for such things.

I think….well, you can see where I am going with this.

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I think it stinks.

I think it is a very good reason to avoid manufacturers who do things like this.

I think I am glad that I know how to build my own systems and never have to rely on a manufacturer for such things.

I think….well, you can see where I am going with this.

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Absolutely nuts from such a bright company who makes such great laptops, notebooks Thinkpads, ect. There have been some threads on recovery discs and why you may not be able to access the full code on some of them (including have access to for example the files that will install or let you use the Recovery Console on some of these ironically named “recovery disc” that come with a number of notebooks and laptops on newsgroups). Whatever is going on, I don’t think MS has called this shot here with IBM to limit the number of XP discs because of cracked activation or the enormous amount of pirated copies available through illegal “warez” sites or on streetcorners or off truck backs in some countries. Anything’s possible.

IBM’s response was ludicrous–particularly the “send it to them.” I also would really doubt that all the “source software” you would need is ensconsed on that hard drive. I’d like to know what in fact is. Suppose you are on the road or suppose you have a frantic situation at work on a deadline and you would need that CD–you’re supposed to “send it to them?” And I don’t know how this crazy policy squares with the fine print about “full functionality” which could mean anything–that isn’t equal to all the source software you would need. You need full functionality.

I would really go to the mat with IBM Austrailia for an XP CD–they at least owe you a recovery CD and they can get you a CD from Microsoft. You bought a somewhat expensive machine from a company with a top of the line reputation for great machines who is a huge partner of Microsoft.

I’m afraid calling MS will get a very quick stock referral to IBM on this because they are of course the OEM.

SMPB

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Absolutely nuts from such a bright company who makes such great laptops, notebooks Thinkpads, ect. There have been some threads on recovery discs and why you may not be able to access the full code on some of them (including have access to for example the files that will install or let you use the Recovery Console on some of these ironically named “recovery disc” that come with a number of notebooks and laptops on newsgroups). Whatever is going on, I don’t think MS has called this shot here with IBM to limit the number of XP discs because of cracked activation or the enormous amount of pirated copies available through illegal “warez” sites or on streetcorners or off truck backs in some countries. Anything’s possible.

IBM’s response was ludicrous–particularly the “send it to them.” I also would really doubt that all the “source software” you would need is ensconsed on that hard drive. I’d like to know what in fact is. Suppose you are on the road or suppose you have a frantic situation at work on a deadline and you would need that CD–you’re supposed to “send it to them?” And I don’t know how this crazy policy squares with the fine print about “full functionality” which could mean anything–that isn’t equal to all the source software you would need. You need full functionality.

I would really go to the mat with IBM Austrailia for an XP CD–they at least owe you a recovery CD and they can get you a CD from Microsoft. You bought a somewhat expensive machine from a company with a top of the line reputation for great machines who is a huge partner of Microsoft.

I’m afraid calling MS will get a very quick stock referral to IBM on this because they are of course the OEM.

SMPB

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Edited by unkamunka to remove mention of Dell.

To my knowledge, IBM has been doing this for more than 2 years. As with most machines, the software code is on a label on the outside of the machine.

IBM recovery disks reformatted the hard drive and preset the partition sizes (where necessary). The new IBM recovery option on the hidden parttion will reformat the entire hard drive. From IBM’s perspective, the “all-in-one” option appears to simply involve one less moving part to ship. The risk of the customer not being able to find the recovery CD is eliminated.

The IBM WinXP Pro machine I use shipped with virtually the entire XP Pro install CD in a I386 folder on the visible part of the partition. (This was in addition to the recovery option on the hidden partition – accessible by F11 on boot.) If you want to run more than one partition, reinstalling from the I386 folder would seem to be the simpler option. Also if, for whatever reason, you want to create a second XP Pro partition on the same machine, the install will activate problem-free.

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>> Dell also do this.

As far as I know, Dell puts the Windows XP installation files in a hidden partition of the hard disk, but also ships a Windows XP CD-Rom (not just a recovery disk, a complete installation disk) with each computer. At least, my Dell (early 2003) came with one.

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Point taken. I was thinking of something else and will edit this out. FWIW I’ve heard far fewer stories of things going wrong with IBM’s than with Dells.

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Point taken. I was thinking of something else and will edit this out. FWIW I’ve heard far fewer stories of things going wrong with IBM’s than with Dells.

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>> Dell also do this.

As far as I know, Dell puts the Windows XP installation files in a hidden partition of the hard disk, but also ships a Windows XP CD-Rom (not just a recovery disk, a complete installation disk) with each computer. At least, my Dell (early 2003) came with one.

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Thanks very much for this information. I was very curious to know how this worked to the point of seeking out some people with several different makes of new laptops or notebooks and seeing what they have gotten.

I did have an experience where I misplaced a Windows 9X CD sent by a large OEM–which was stamped with their name prior to XP and I had to call a several times being told no and one of the people I reached just shipped it again at no cost.

Ed. SMBP Your perspective of IBM vs. Dells over time also is interesting.[/i]

SMBP

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FWIW the old IBM recovery disk used to verify your hardware – right down to the model number. Thus – even shipping with a recovery disk – the chances of achieving an install on a non-XP machine would only arise on a virtually identical model. (Some IBM models [appear to] ship with a choice of OS.)

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I appreciate this info. This means then that they would have all available folders and code on that partition, including the Recovery Console fromt the System 32 folder of the I386 folder–all of XP without the CD if I understand correctly. They eliminate the extra shipping part which couldn’t cost any more to ship except for packing time. but do prevent its being misplaced.

SMBP

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Perhaps I didn’t make it altogether clear. The hidden partition functions just like the old recovery disk. It wipes your hard drive and does a complete reinstall. In both cases, any recourse to the “install software” (if necesssary as part of driver installs etc.) is/was covered by an additional folder on the visible partition (the hard drive in the old scenario).

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Perhaps I didn’t make it altogether clear. The hidden partition functions just like the old recovery disk. It wipes your hard drive and does a complete reinstall. In both cases, any recourse to the “install software” (if necesssary as part of driver installs etc.) is/was covered by an additional folder on the visible partition (the hard drive in the old scenario).

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Thanks I got that and appreciate learning it but why do they have to hide this stuff on any partitions. Why not just make it clear up front with instructions about whatever caveats there are when a 3rd party like Partition Magic is brought in?

SMBP

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Thanks I got that and appreciate learning it but why do they have to hide this stuff on any partitions. Why not just make it clear up front with instructions about whatever caveats there are when a 3rd party like Partition Magic is brought in?

SMBP

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I appreciate this info. This means then that they would have all available folders and code on that partition, including the Recovery Console fromt the System 32 folder of the I386 folder–all of XP without the CD if I understand correctly. They eliminate the extra shipping part which couldn’t cost any more to ship except for packing time. but do prevent its being misplaced.

SMBP

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FWIW the old IBM recovery disk used to verify your hardware – right down to the model number. Thus – even shipping with a recovery disk – the chances of achieving an install on a non-XP machine would only arise on a virtually identical model. (Some IBM models [appear to] ship with a choice of OS.)

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Thanks very much for this information. I was very curious to know how this worked to the point of seeking out some people with several different makes of new laptops or notebooks and seeing what they have gotten.

I did have an experience where I misplaced a Windows 9X CD sent by a large OEM–which was stamped with their name prior to XP and I had to call a several times being told no and one of the people I reached just shipped it again at no cost.

Ed. SMBP Your perspective of IBM vs. Dells over time also is interesting.[/i]

SMBP

Reply | Quote

Edited by unkamunka to remove mention of Dell.

To my knowledge, IBM has been doing this for more than 2 years. As with most machines, the software code is on a label on the outside of the machine.

IBM recovery disks reformatted the hard drive and preset the partition sizes (where necessary). The new IBM recovery option on the hidden parttion will reformat the entire hard drive. From IBM’s perspective, the “all-in-one” option appears to simply involve one less moving part to ship. The risk of the customer not being able to find the recovery CD is eliminated.

The IBM WinXP Pro machine I use shipped with virtually the entire XP Pro install CD in a I386 folder on the visible part of the partition. (This was in addition to the recovery option on the hidden partition – accessible by F11 on boot.) If you want to run more than one partition, reinstalling from the I386 folder would seem to be the simpler option. Also if, for whatever reason, you want to create a second XP Pro partition on the same machine, the install will activate problem-free.

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I would try calling IBM again and repeat your request for recovery CDs.

Earlier this year I bought an IBM ThinkPad T23 with WinXP-Pro via the web site at a clearance price. Was an excellent price for a brand new machine with lots of bells and whistles. When the package arrived a few days after the order was placed, I was dismayed, like you, that no recovery CDs were provided.

A fast call to IBM explaining that I wanted the recovery CDs was met with queries asking for the invoice number, model type and serial number of the ThinkPad. Within 3 days, Canada Post was at the door with a package containing 2 recovery CDs… one bootable and the other non-bootable. Everything sent fully paid for by IBM Canada.

I would have to hope that IBM Australia would have the same policies and practices.

Cheers,

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Thanks to Bob and all others who have responded. I’ll try IBM again after the holiday season and see how we go.

Cheers

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Thanks to Bob and all others who have responded. I’ll try IBM again after the holiday season and see how we go.

Cheers

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I would try calling IBM again and repeat your request for recovery CDs.

Earlier this year I bought an IBM ThinkPad T23 with WinXP-Pro via the web site at a clearance price. Was an excellent price for a brand new machine with lots of bells and whistles. When the package arrived a few days after the order was placed, I was dismayed, like you, that no recovery CDs were provided.

A fast call to IBM explaining that I wanted the recovery CDs was met with queries asking for the invoice number, model type and serial number of the ThinkPad. Within 3 days, Canada Post was at the door with a package containing 2 recovery CDs… one bootable and the other non-bootable. Everything sent fully paid for by IBM Canada.

I would have to hope that IBM Australia would have the same policies and practices.

Cheers,

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The new Sony’s have a method for one to burn your own Cd’s. My new Sony 420 and the wife’s Sony FRV37 both come with CD and DVD burners. The 420 used one DVD (4x) and and CD, the FVR37 used 2 DVDs (1X) one CD.

There should be instructions some where. On the Sony’s the burning option is within the “Recovery” wizard.

DaveA I am so far behind, I think I am First
Genealogy....confusing the dead and annoying the living

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Thanks, Dave. That sounds like the answer. The machine I have has a CD writer. However, I’ve been through the help files on the computer related to recovery and there is no reference to the ability to copy the recovery files onto a CD – all of the information relates to recovery directly from the hidden partition on the hard disk or the ordering of a Product Recovery CD from IBM on what they describe as “an emergency basis”.

However, I think you’ve put me on the right track and I’ll follow it through.

Cheers and thanks.

Bambara

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Thanks, Dave. That sounds like the answer. The machine I have has a CD writer. However, I’ve been through the help files on the computer related to recovery and there is no reference to the ability to copy the recovery files onto a CD – all of the information relates to recovery directly from the hidden partition on the hard disk or the ordering of a Product Recovery CD from IBM on what they describe as “an emergency basis”.

However, I think you’ve put me on the right track and I’ll follow it through.

Cheers and thanks.

Bambara

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The new Sony’s have a method for one to burn your own Cd’s. My new Sony 420 and the wife’s Sony FRV37 both come with CD and DVD burners. The 420 used one DVD (4x) and and CD, the FVR37 used 2 DVDs (1X) one CD.

There should be instructions some where. On the Sony’s the burning option is within the “Recovery” wizard.

DaveA I am so far behind, I think I am First
Genealogy....confusing the dead and annoying the living

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