A couple questions regarding my ThinkPad x31 and IBM

[DigDug]

I appreciate your help! Here they are:

1. Where can I find the Technical Reference Manual for the IBM x31 (or more specifically, for model 2885-PWU)

2. What size and type of harddrive is used in the x31? I have a 40gb currently inside, and want to upgrade to 60 or 80gb. I know that they are 2.5" drives (pretty sure, at least). Is that all I need to know in order to purchase one? Or are there other variables that I need to consider.

3. When I get the appropriate drive, what is the best way to copy over the hidden partition? I want to preserve the X31's awesome recovery system that has the factory install hidden away on a seperate partition, available with the click of a button. Do I need special software to do so? Also, I was planning on buying a USB hard drive enclosure so as to connect the new hard drive via USB and somehow mirror my current drive onto it - then go on and physically replace the new one for the old.

Thanks a bunch for your help in advance.

 

[WackyDan]

1. maybe online.

2. It should be a 2.5" 9.5mm thick drive.

3. If the unit is still under IBM warranty. Call the Support number and ask for the factory recovery CD's. IBM will send them for free as long as the TP is in warranty. They spec 10 days for delivery, but have gotten mine overnight or within two busness days before..... but I live in North Carolina.

IF your x31 is not in warranty, then IBM charges $35 for the recovery CD's.... You can also find them on eBay from time to time much cheaper.

Of course you could use ghost to clone your current config from the original drive to the new drive. A network share, or external drive would work for this. Look up Norton's ghost, or another imaging tool to help you with that.

 

[eriqesque]

Follow me to the Hardware Maintenance Manual for your X31

As for the recovery CD set they have recently changed their policy.
The CD set costs $45 dollars regardelss of warranty and when you purchaed the machine.

 

[DigDug]

Thanks a bunch - how do you guys find the appropriate pages at IBM's site? Navigation among the support pages there is IMPOSSIBLE.

 

[eriqesque]

You are correct it is impossible usually to find things there.
But I cheated there is an IBM notebook forum and in the FAQ there they have all this kinda stuff already mapped out.

 

[WackyDan]

Originally posted by: eriqesque
Follow me to the Hardware Maintenance Manual for your X31

As for the recovery CD set they have recently changed their policy.
The CD set costs $45 dollars regardelss of warranty and when you purchaed the machine.

That sucks.