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Partitioning a Thinkpad T30

B

BillW50

Flightless Bird
In news:hpiet702etu@news3.newsguy.com,
dwn typed on Wed, 07 Apr 2010 10:20:35 -0700:
> On Wed, 7 Apr 2010 07:27:20 -0500, "BillW50" <BillW50@aol.kom> wrote:
>
>>>> And yes, a MS-DOS disk or a Windows 9x Startup disk will work if
>>>> you run FDISK to set which partition you want to be set as active.
>>>> These disks can't see inside of NTFS formatted partitions, but
>>>> that is okay. And *most* recovery partitions are in FAT32 format.
>>>> So you should be able to peek inside with DIR or something.

>
> BTW, my HD is Hitachi 50Gb.
>
> 1st try
>
> Bootup Win98SE.
> fdisk
>
> 1 A non Dos 2330 4%
> 2 NTFS 54906 96%
>
> Set 1 to A (active) check "C" Not ready reading drive C
> Abort, retry, fail?
>
> Boot up black screen nothing happen, except a "-" one screen.
> ------------------------------------------------
>
> 2nd try
>
> Bootup Win98SE
> fdisk
>
> 1 non Dos 2330 4%
> 2 A NTFS 54906 96%
> fdisk
>
> Set 2 drive to A (active) check "C" Not ready reading drive C
> Abort, retry, fail?
>
> Restart both times: 1st and 2nd. 1st try drive 1 make active window
> will not start. Only 2st try with drive 2 set active, window will
> start.
>
>> Yes it will happen here too. As there is very little you can run on
>> the hard drive with a Windows 9x Startup Disk. Remember though, the
>> only reason is to run FDISK from the startup disk. So you can toggle
>> which partition is active. And to copy the three needed files on the
>> recovery partition (if needed).

>
> Somehow, the hidden partition is in the drive and cannot be access
> using Win98SE diskette.
>
> This is what I found out earlier. When I use Command Dot Prompt to
> check
> the hidden partition, I have to depressed the "Administrative" button
> to access the hidden partition (I dunno if I could add/edit this
> partition). If I depress my user button, "access denial".
>
> I will keep trying and in the meantime I'll get the recovery cd back.
>
> Thinking back the hidden partition may have been corrupted after I
> installed the new hardrive. On startup the three options on the lower
> left corner of the screen, "F11 Recovery" is missing. I found a
> patched somewhere in IBM's website and patched.
>
> F1 Bio Utility setup
> F11 Recovery
> F12 Boot selection
>
> What options do I have, beside get the 3 recovery CD?
>
> Thanks.


Okay here is what I would do. You say you see an i386 folder right? If
so, that will reinstall Windows XP from scratch. What it should do is to
rename your old Windows folder or delete it (you should get a choice of
one or the other or both).

The file you want to run from the i386 folder is Winnt32.exe (I would do
this from safe mode and try this first before using normal mode). This
will start the Windows install. You won't have any applications you
installed later and it might not even have all of the device drivers
either. Like video card, WiFi, sound, etc. So grab these drivers first
before you try to reinstall Windows XP once again.

Yes it sounds like the recovery partition might be corrupted. Or the
permission is set to keep you out of there.

It would be very nice if you could make a copy of the i386 folder and
save it to a CD, flash drive, or something before you start. As if the
Winnt.exe and Winnt32.exe files are there, it should contain a complete
Windows XP install. And if the worse happens, you could use the copy to
reinstall Windows XP once again.

--
Bill
Gateway MX6124 ('06 era) 1 of 3 - Windows XP SP2
 
D

dwn

Flightless Bird
On Wed, 7 Apr 2010 14:08:35 -0500, "BillW50" <BillW50@aol.kom> wrote:

>Okay here is what I would do. You say you see an i386 folder right? If
>so, that will reinstall Windows XP from scratch. What it should do is to
>rename your old Windows folder or delete it (you should get a choice of
>one or the other or both).


I did see i386 when I was in "Command Dot Prompt", and in "Administer". I am not
sure if I am allow to rename or even delete all the files except i386",
Remember, I am not in Dot Prompt. I know it because, when I type "DIR/P" in "C"
partition. The screen showing the files and folders is in Window mode and not
what I know during the early days, using 16bits the you cannot even see any
files/folders as it speed bottom to top screen.

>The file you want to run from the i386 folder is Winnt32.exe (I would do
>this from safe mode and try this first before using normal mode). This
>will start the Windows install. You won't have any applications you
>installed later and it might not even have all of the device drivers
>either. Like video card, WiFi, sound, etc. So grab these drivers first
>before you try to reinstall Windows XP once again.


Using "Belarc" I had printed a copy of to know the hardware's, driver etc and
I have all (I hope) the drivers, patched copy into a USB flash stick. Will the
USB ports still usable in safe mold? I have not try or test before.

>Yes it sounds like the recovery partition might be corrupted. Or the
>permission is set to keep you out of there.
>
>It would be very nice if you could make a copy of the i386 folder and
>save it to a CD, flash drive, or something before you start. As if the
>Winnt.exe and Winnt32.exe files are there, it should contain a complete
>Windows XP install. And if the worse happens, you could use the copy to
>reinstall Windows XP once again.


Let me be clear, do you mean i386 folder in the hidden partitions contain
recovery files?

Thanks
 
B

BillW50

Flightless Bird
dwn wrote:
> On Wed, 7 Apr 2010 14:08:35 -0500, "BillW50" <BillW50@aol.kom> wrote:
>
>> Okay here is what I would do. You say you see an i386 folder right? If
>> so, that will reinstall Windows XP from scratch. What it should do is to
>> rename your old Windows folder or delete it (you should get a choice of
>> one or the other or both).

>
> I did see i386 when I was in "Command Dot Prompt", and in "Administer". I am not
> sure if I am allow to rename or even delete all the files except i386",
> Remember, I am not in Dot Prompt. I know it because, when I type "DIR/P" in "C"
> partition. The screen showing the files and folders is in Window mode and not
> what I know during the early days, using 16bits the you cannot even see any
> files/folders as it speed bottom to top screen.


First I wouldn't delete anything. That i386 folder could be in your
Windows folder or on your recovery partition or both. This folder
contains the whole Windows XP install.

There are two ways to run the Windows XP install. From XP, WinPE, or
BartPE, run Winnt32. From DOS, run Winnt. Although the install files
can't be on a NTFS partition if you are using DOS. Plus you need to use
Smartdrv if you use DOS to install it. Otherwise it take like a day to
install XP.

And I wouldn't delete anything on your hard drive. Let the Windows
install do that. If you have enough room on the drive you should be
fine. Say 4GB to 6GB free should be plenty.

>> The file you want to run from the i386 folder is Winnt32.exe (I would do
>> this from safe mode and try this first before using normal mode). This
>> will start the Windows install. You won't have any applications you
>> installed later and it might not even have all of the device drivers
>> either. Like video card, WiFi, sound, etc. So grab these drivers first
>> before you try to reinstall Windows XP once again.

>
> Using "Belarc" I had printed a copy of to know the hardware's, driver etc and
> I have all (I hope) the drivers, patched copy into a USB flash stick. Will the
> USB ports still usable in safe mold? I have not try or test before.


USB ports should work fine from safe mode.

>> Yes it sounds like the recovery partition might be corrupted. Or the
>> permission is set to keep you out of there.
>>
>> It would be very nice if you could make a copy of the i386 folder and
>> save it to a CD, flash drive, or something before you start. As if the
>> Winnt.exe and Winnt32.exe files are there, it should contain a complete
>> Windows XP install. And if the worse happens, you could use the copy to
>> reinstall Windows XP once again.

>
> Let me be clear, do you mean i386 folder in the hidden partitions contain
> recovery files?
>
> Thanks
>


It is usually in the Windows folder. Although they could put it
anywhere. Even in the recovery partition.

--
Bill
Asus EEE PC 702G4 ~ 2GB RAM ~ 16GB-SDHC
Xandros Linux (build 2007-10-19 13:03)
 
D

dwn

Flightless Bird
On Fri, 09 Apr 2010 09:51:50 -0500, BillW50 <BillW50@aol.kom> wrote:

Bill, just to let you know I am still here. I had my old Internet provider
disconnect, now on cable modem and not wireless modem.
Thanks for staying with me.

>First I wouldn't delete anything. That i386 folder could be in your
>Windows folder or on your recovery partition or both. This folder
>contains the whole Windows XP install.


I had not deleted anything. To get into the hidden partition, I had to enable
Administrator (try and error) in CMD.EXE. In the hidden partition I look for
i366 folder and I copy everything into my flash USB card.

I reboot, in normal mode, WinXP, the same hidden I386 folder, there are only a
handful of files and not the ten of thousands files and folders. I also check
the same name I386 folder in "C" drive, here there are ten of thousands (I copy
it to my flash USB card under different names).

I am perplex how come in normal window mode the ten of thousands files and
folders are missing in "hidden" folder?

VERY INPORTANT - Both folders files are in compress files:

"ABCD.EX_"
"ABCD.IN_"

How do you compress or uncompressed these file in MS DOS or DOT Prompt?

I check the hidden folder again, Boot.ini is missing and the other two
ntldr, NTDETECT.COM is in there. Could the boot.ini the problems?

I may have the choices: Copy "boot.ini" from the normal mode, into the hidden
folder, in compress form. Or, edit a new "Boot.ini" and do the same as you had
stated in your post.

What shall I do next, you may also need to tell me where and how the compress or
uncompressed files to process?


>There are two ways to run the Windows XP install. From XP, WinPE, or
>BartPE, run Winnt32. From DOS, run Winnt. Although the install files
>can't be on a NTFS partition if you are using DOS. Plus you need to use
>Smartdrv if you use DOS to install it. Otherwise it take like a day to
>install XP.


I am not clear here. Where to get WinPE, BartPE? Do I use Winnt32?

>And I wouldn't delete anything on your hard drive. Let the Windows
>install do that. If you have enough room on the drive you should be
>fine. Say 4GB to 6GB free should be plenty.


Enuf for two i386.

snip..
>
>USB ports should work fine from safe mode.


My USB is working in Command Dot prompt.
>

...snip..

>> Let me be clear, do you mean i386 folder in the hidden partitions contain
>> recovery files?
>>
>> Thanks
>>

>
>It is usually in the Windows folder. Although they could put it
>anywhere. Even in the recovery partition.


That's where I still cannot figure it as of now.

Thanks again, in the meantime I will keep trying even if I screw up I should
have learn something. I am asking my wife to send the recovery disks and
will probably take weeks including other items.
 
B

BillW50

Flightless Bird
dwn wrote on Fri, 09 Apr 2010 23:36:49 -0700:
> On Fri, 09 Apr 2010 09:51:50 -0500, BillW50 <BillW50@aol.kom> wrote:
>
> Bill, just to let you know I am still here. I had my old Internet provider
> disconnect, now on cable modem and not wireless modem.
> Thanks for staying with me.


Okay.

>> First I wouldn't delete anything. That i386 folder could be in your
>> Windows folder or on your recovery partition or both. This folder
>> contains the whole Windows XP install.

>
> I had not deleted anything. To get into the hidden partition, I had to enable
> Administrator (try and error) in CMD.EXE. In the hidden partition I look for
> i366 folder and I copy everything into my flash USB card.


For DOS (if you use the Windows 98 Startup disk or any other DOS), the
flash drive must be in FAT format before DOS can read it. Most flash
drives are formatted in FAT so you should be good there.

I only mention about DOS, because to reinstall Windows XP from the i386
folder... you need to do so by one or two methods.

1) From Windows XP, BartPE, or WinPE
RUN Winnt32.exe

2) From DOS
RUN Winnt.exe

> I reboot, in normal mode, WinXP, the same hidden I386 folder, there are only a
> handful of files and not the ten of thousands files and folders. I also check
> the same name I386 folder in "C" drive, here there are ten of thousands (I copy
> it to my flash USB card under different names).


Good deal!

> I am perplex how come in normal window mode the ten of thousands files and
> folders are missing in "hidden" folder?
>
> VERY INPORTANT - Both folders files are in compress files:
>
> "ABCD.EX_"
> "ABCD.IN_"
>
> How do you compress or uncompressed these file in MS DOS or DOT Prompt?


Don't worry about uncompressing any of the files. As either Winnt or
Winnt32 will do this automatically.

> I check the hidden folder again, Boot.ini is missing and the other two
> ntldr, NTDETECT.COM is in there. Could the boot.ini the problems?


Boot.ini isn't one of the install files but is created once Windows XP
gets installed. So that is okay. Only a bootable working Windows XP will
have a boot.ini file.

> I may have the choices: Copy "boot.ini" from the normal mode, into the hidden
> folder, in compress form. Or, edit a new "Boot.ini" and do the same as you had
> stated in your post.


Not necessary for the install files found in the i386 folder(s).

> What shall I do next, you may also need to tell me where and how the compress or
> uncompressed files to process?


I would treat these two i386 folders as two totally different Windows XP
installs. So if you have a problem with one of them, use the other one.

>> There are two ways to run the Windows XP install. From XP, WinPE, or
>> BartPE, run Winnt32. From DOS, run Winnt. Although the install files
>> can't be on a NTFS partition if you are using DOS. Plus you need to use
>> Smartdrv if you use DOS to install it. Otherwise it take like a day to
>> install XP.

>
> I am not clear here. Where to get WinPE, BartPE? Do I use Winnt32?


Well WinPE is from Microsoft and is usually hard to get. But BartPE is
the same thing basically and can be easily created in about 15 minutes.
You can Google it to learn how.

But for now, you can run Winnt32.exe to start the Windows XP install (or
in this case reinstall) right from Windows XP itself. So you don't need
either BartPE or WinPE.

And if Windows XP fails to run Winnt.exe for some reason. You can use
the Windows 98 Startup disk and your flash drive to run Winnt.exe
instead. That is another way to (re)install Windows XP.

>> And I wouldn't delete anything on your hard drive. Let the Windows
>> install do that. If you have enough room on the drive you should be
>> fine. Say 4GB to 6GB free should be plenty.

>
> Enuf for two i386.
>
> snip..
>> USB ports should work fine from safe mode.

>
> My USB is working in Command Dot prompt.
> ..snip..


The USB device needs to be connected before you turn on the computer for
DOS, BartPE, or WinPE to see it. So remember that. Windows XP is okay if
you plug it in later. As for the former, if the BIOS doesn't know they
are there, neither will the xPE and the DOS OS.

>>> Let me be clear, do you mean i386 folder in the hidden partitions contain
>>> recovery files?
>>>
>>> Thanks


Not really the recovery files per se, but the Windows XP (re)install
files. Which could be the same thing depending how you look at at.

>> It is usually in the Windows folder. Although they could put it
>> anywhere. Even in the recovery partition.

>
> That's where I still cannot figure it as of now.


Well finding two i386 folders is a good thing. One should do the job,
but two is a big plus.

> Thanks again, in the meantime I will keep trying even if I screw up I should
> have learn something. I am asking my wife to send the recovery disks and
> will probably take weeks including other items.


I would have your wife make a copy of it before she sends it. Just in
case you never see it again.

--
Bill
Asus EEE PC 702G4 ~ 2GB RAM ~ 16GB-SDHC
Xandros Linux (build 2007-10-19 13:03)
 
D

dwn

Flightless Bird
On Sat, 10 Apr 2010 15:20:05 -0500, BillW50 <BillW50@aol.kom> wrote:


Snip....

I have not fully digest what you have posted, because of different
time zone, I have to let you know I copies both I386 in CMD.exe (depressing F8
key) and not using boot diskettes. I found in You Tube BartPE, will have to
watch it several time before I proceed.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0reKK2ASEaU

Great stuff! Will return with more questions.
Thank you.


>For DOS (if you use the Windows 98 Startup disk or any other DOS), the
>flash drive must be in FAT format before DOS can read it. Most flash
>drives are formatted in FAT so you should be good there.
>
>I only mention about DOS, because to reinstall Windows XP from the i386
>folder... you need to do so by one or two methods.
>
>1) From Windows XP, BartPE, or WinPE
> RUN Winnt32.exe
>
>2) From DOS
> RUN Winnt.exe


Just to let you know, I copies both I386 by going into
>
>> I reboot, in normal mode, WinXP, the same hidden I386 folder, there are only a
>> handful of files and not the ten of thousands files and folders. I also check
>> the same name I386 folder in "C" drive, here there are ten of thousands (I copy
>> it to my flash USB card under different names).

>
>Good deal!
>
>> I am perplex how come in normal window mode the ten of thousands files and
>> folders are missing in "hidden" folder?
>>
>> VERY INPORTANT - Both folders files are in compress files:
>>
>> "ABCD.EX_"
>> "ABCD.IN_"
>>
>> How do you compress or uncompressed these file in MS DOS or DOT Prompt?

>
>Don't worry about uncompressing any of the files. As either Winnt or
>Winnt32 will do this automatically.
>
>> I check the hidden folder again, Boot.ini is missing and the other two
>> ntldr, NTDETECT.COM is in there. Could the boot.ini the problems?

>
>Boot.ini isn't one of the install files but is created once Windows XP
>gets installed. So that is okay. Only a bootable working Windows XP will
>have a boot.ini file.
>
>> I may have the choices: Copy "boot.ini" from the normal mode, into the hidden
>> folder, in compress form. Or, edit a new "Boot.ini" and do the same as you had
>> stated in your post.

>
>Not necessary for the install files found in the i386 folder(s).
>
>> What shall I do next, you may also need to tell me where and how the compress or
>> uncompressed files to process?

>
>I would treat these two i386 folders as two totally different Windows XP
>installs. So if you have a problem with one of them, use the other one.
>
>>> There are two ways to run the Windows XP install. From XP, WinPE, or
>>> BartPE, run Winnt32. From DOS, run Winnt. Although the install files
>>> can't be on a NTFS partition if you are using DOS. Plus you need to use
>>> Smartdrv if you use DOS to install it. Otherwise it take like a day to
>>> install XP.

>>
>> I am not clear here. Where to get WinPE, BartPE? Do I use Winnt32?

>
>Well WinPE is from Microsoft and is usually hard to get. But BartPE is
>the same thing basically and can be easily created in about 15 minutes.
>You can Google it to learn how.
>
>But for now, you can run Winnt32.exe to start the Windows XP install (or
>in this case reinstall) right from Windows XP itself. So you don't need
>either BartPE or WinPE.
>
>And if Windows XP fails to run Winnt.exe for some reason. You can use
>the Windows 98 Startup disk and your flash drive to run Winnt.exe
>instead. That is another way to (re)install Windows XP.
>
>>> And I wouldn't delete anything on your hard drive. Let the Windows
>>> install do that. If you have enough room on the drive you should be
>>> fine. Say 4GB to 6GB free should be plenty.

>>
>> Enuf for two i386.
>>
>> snip..
>>> USB ports should work fine from safe mode.

>>
>> My USB is working in Command Dot prompt.
>> ..snip..

>
>The USB device needs to be connected before you turn on the computer for
>DOS, BartPE, or WinPE to see it. So remember that. Windows XP is okay if
>you plug it in later. As for the former, if the BIOS doesn't know they
>are there, neither will the xPE and the DOS OS.
>
>>>> Let me be clear, do you mean i386 folder in the hidden partitions contain
>>>> recovery files?
>>>>
>>>> Thanks

>
>Not really the recovery files per se, but the Windows XP (re)install
>files. Which could be the same thing depending how you look at at.
>
>>> It is usually in the Windows folder. Although they could put it
>>> anywhere. Even in the recovery partition.

>>
>> That's where I still cannot figure it as of now.

>
>Well finding two i386 folders is a good thing. One should do the job,
>but two is a big plus.
>
>> Thanks again, in the meantime I will keep trying even if I screw up I should
>> have learn something. I am asking my wife to send the recovery disks and
>> will probably take weeks including other items.

>
>I would have your wife make a copy of it before she sends it. Just in
>case you never see it again.
 
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