Linux for Thinkpad.

BoomAM

BoomAM

BoomAM

Soldato
Joined
5 Jul 2003
Posts
16,206
Location
Atlanta, USA
Hi.
Ive been considering giving Linux a whirl on my lappy, but im not too keen on losing my data thats already on it.
Is there a Linux varient that will re-size/partition the HDD without losing my data?

Also, what potential problems would i have with it on a Thinkpad?
As by default, pressing the shortcut key on boot on a thinkpad takes you two a secondary partition, about 5Gb in size, that holds restore data, and a cut down version of windows for diagnostics & BIOS access. Would installing Linux 'break' this functionality?

Thanks in advance all.
:)
 
I'm not sure if it's still current, but IBM (now Lenovo) used to (unofficially) support Red Hat Linux on their Thinkpads - a few people bought them from where I work (a IBM focused reseller) on the strength of that. I do know that they do test certain models with Red Hat/Fedora, Suse, Novell Linux Desktop.

I'll see what I can dig out on the above. As for the IBM 'Rescue & Recovery' partition, IIRC as long as you've set it to be 'hidden' to the OS in the BIOS, then you should be fine, but best to use the old 'backup, backup, BACKUP!' mantra to be safe!

*edit*

The list of 'officially' tested Thinkpads is here

Otherwise your best friend is Google ;) I did a search for "Thinkpad linux" and the first three links were very informative - esp this one
 
Last edited:
So installing most up-to-date varients of Linux will not 'break' the recovery partition?
At the moment that partition isnt actually 'viewable' in My Computer, but it does show up in Disk Management as 'IBM_Service'.

##EDIT##
Ive just been reading around ThinkWiki, and after some searching around my HDD, ive found that theres a program that'll create some recovery disks.
Do you know if these disks will 're-enable' the recovery partition & the windows one if i was to completely wipe the HDD on the computer for whatever reason?

Ive been considering re-installing windows on this Thinkpad for sometime now, to strip out all of the IBM stuff thats on it, which will also allow me to re-partition the drive as i see fit. If these recovery CDs can 'revert' me back to the factory state, then i see no problem im doing whatever i want to the system anymore. :p
 
Last edited:
I am not sure about your partition safety, but if you set up another partition and use that for Linux, not only will it leavethe Windows partitions alone but will allow you to read them as well.

I have a little Thinkpad R50e that runs Ubuntu perfetctly, all hardware found and configured straight off and it flies. Highly recommended.
 
Thinkpads rock for Linux as a) IBM use well supported standard hardware and b) No Windows key! :D

I've got Ubuntu on my T40 and it works like a charm :)
 
AJUK said:
I am not sure about your partition safety, but if you set up another partition and use that for Linux, not only will it leavethe Windows partitions alone but will allow you to read them as well.

I have a little Thinkpad R50e that runs Ubuntu perfetctly, all hardware found and configured straight off and it flies. Highly recommended.
Click to expand...
Linux affecting the Windows partitions isnt a problem. Its if it affects the service partition.
 
SuSE 9.1 Pro ran fine on my old Thinkpad X23. I can't remember if it resized my partitions automatically but it installed 100% perfect out of the box. Thinkpads are great.
 
Im not sure that Linux supports everything on my lappy at the moment anyway.
Ubuntu 'Horay Hedgehog' doesnt even support the sound or BT on it.

Regardless. Im thinking of just leaving it how it is for now.
There doesnt seem to be any sort of guarantee that any version of Linux will leave the RR Partition alone, and because the lappy didnt come with any disks either for recovery, i dont think im gonna risk it tbh.
 
http://www.thinkwiki.org/wiki/ThinkWiki

that seemed a good website when I was toying with the idea of running linux on my thinkpad. Might have a go at it in the summer.

also i think http://forum.thinkpads.com has a linux forum that might be useful.

also regarding the rescue and recover partition, you can burn a set of the recovery discs. Only once though, so make sure you use a decent dvd or set of cds. Should be in:

start -> all programs -> thinkvantage -> create recovery media
 
BUSH said:
http://www.thinkwiki.org/wiki/ThinkWiki

that seemed a good website when I was toying with the idea of running linux on my thinkpad. Might have a go at it in the summer.

also i think http://forum.thinkpads.com has a linux forum that might be useful.

also regarding the rescue and recover partition, you can burn a set of the recovery discs. Only once though, so make sure you use a decent dvd or set of cds. Should be in:

start -> all programs -> thinkvantage -> create recovery media
Click to expand...
ThinkWiki & TPForums are both good websites. But Wiki is a little sparce regarding specific details and TPF's members just need a slap. The most unhelpful bunch you can ever come across. Almost as bad as MisticRiver.

I burned some R&R DVDs last night. Then as you pointed out and i confirmed, that they can only be burned once, i imaged the disks to my main PCs HDD. :p.
So i think i might give it a bash over the summer.

Are there any specific versions of Linux that'll re-size the partitions for me without losing my data?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom