How can I get WinXP Pro Reinstallation CD?

I have an IBM T40 Thinkpad that came with WinXP Pro pre-installed, and no reinstallation CD (like I got with my Dell). I searched the Lenovo site support area, but can't seem to find anything in the way of a complete (incl Windows) reinstall CD. Can someone please direct me to a source? Or is it possible for me to make one while my computer is still fully functional? Thank you.

 

I suggest you read this from the Lenovo support site.

Edit: Just in case you miss it

 

Thanks. Yes, I saw that, but couldn't figure out whether it includes the Windows version that came with the computer.

I need something that will allow me to replace the HDD and then install the same Windows I have, along with the drivers for the stuff in the computer.

Do you think burning a disk as Lenovo says will let me do this? Or will it have to be augmented by an OEM WinXP disk, which I never had?

 

Yes any recovery disk(s) you make would be the windows version that came with the computer.

Then a set of recovery disks would do the job.

Yes. I'd still keep the original drive as a fall back though. It's extremly unlikely you'll be able to make a new set of recovery disks from the new drive.

 

Thank you very much.

Please bear with me and forgive what may sound thick-headed. I just want to be sure.

So, if I create a recovery CD per Lenovo's instructions, after backing up all my data files, photos, etc, I can then remove the old HD, put in the new HD, and boot up using the recovery CD. Windows will start, and my internal devices will work, after which I can then install programs from the original disks, and my data files, etc, from the backups I made. Right?

And, yes, I'll certainly save the original HD, just in case.

 

Some hard disk manufacturers offer a program to copy your old drive to the new one, for example, Seagate have DiscWizard

http://www.seagate.com/ww/v/index.j...toid=d9fd4a3cdde5c010VgnVCM100000dd04090aRCRD

I would use the Lenovo method as well to make the backup disks.

Matt
Edit, I just reread that you have a laptop, so you may not be able to copy disk to disk unless you can connect the old HDD externally (with a 2.5" USB external enclosure) and I am not certain if DiscWizard will copy in that method.

 

Yes

More or less, Windows will not start right away, your system will be restored to the point it was when bought, this could take some time (probably an hour or so) but after that your system and hardware will work and you can then install the other software you require.

Best to do so just in case of problems.

Good luck and let us know how you get on.