UpGrading from XP to Vista

[akua28]

Hi there.

Im thinking of upgrading my T61 from XP to vista.

I know I can just format my c: drive then install Vista just like desktops.

However, i m aware of that there is a hidden drive with operating system image and other important staff in it. If i format my disk, i will probaly lose the data in the hidden drive. That's cruel and not what i want.

The question is this:

Is there anyway to upgrade both my OS and the hidden drive to support Vista together ?

For example, i want to be able to use the blue ThinkVantage buttun to recovery my system with Vista, just like what i can do with recoverying my XP now.

Also, I have my own Vista Business, is it possible to install my own Vista without paying for a new one ??

A lot thanks...

[carbon_unit · Accepted solution]

First, make the XP recovery discs just in case you ever need to go back.
Second, The easieast way to have a Vista recovery partition is to use the fectory Recovery discs. I think you can do your own Vista install, Install Rescue and Recovery along with the other drivers found here. Then Rescue and Recovery will make a recovery image for you.
If your Thinkpad has a Seagate Hard Drive you can use Disk Wizard to make your own recovery discs. With the full version of Acronis you can make an "Acronis Secure Zone" which is a hidden partition you access with F11 at startup. It allows you to restore the computer from there.

[akua28]

Thanks for the help, I m gonna try it once i  get my project done.

[Overland1]

So how did the upgrade go?

I am planning to do something similar, but it looks like I will have to obtain discs from Lenovo to accomplish this.