Trying to restore an IBM T23 with XP, no restore disc

BuckNaked

Diamond Member
Oct 9, 1999
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I have an older IBM T23. I recently got a good deal on a faster, larger HD and put it in. I don't have a restore disc, and apparently the 'hidden' partition was wiped by the previous owner on the original HD. I have tried using a couple of different XP cds to restore the OS, but none will accept the key from the laptop. I have it up and running with a fresh install, but had to use the key from the version on my PC to get it up and running.

Does anyone know if a 'generic' OEM version of XP will work with the IBM key? Will I have to resort to using an IBM restore disc to get it up and running with the IBM key? I really don't want to pay the $60 just for the disc... And I am trying to keep from using the same key on two machines or using something other than a legitimate key, when I have a legal one available. Any suggestions?

Thanks!
Dave
 

BuckNaked

Diamond Member
Oct 9, 1999
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Originally posted by: fbrdphreak
If you still have the original drive with original installation on it, you can use this guide:

http://www.4saad.com/WhatsNew/Fresh_XP_Install/index.htm

Otherwise scour eBay for recovery discs. Also, any XP installation you have that will activate will work fine, but not with IBM's key. You need an OEM copy for that

Thanks fbrdphreak! I will give that a shot. It actually sounds like I would prefer this over the recovery disc, and I still have the original drive with the install still on it.

One question on the OEM disc, are the OEM disc's specific to manufacturer? Or would any OEM disc such as the ones available from Newegg work with the IBM key? I realize that it wouldn't have the needed IBM specific folders, and I don't need them as I have those backed up and again on the original drive.

Thanks again for the help!
Dave