Which partitions do I actually need?

No Windows 7 does more than what I need it to, I got asked about it ages ago and never did anything about it but I've recently just fancied the challenge, if you want to call it that, of doing a dual boot system. Also could you recommend a boot loader that would work well? And also how to actually apply it to the system?

I thought something like Chameleon would work, but its only for Mac apparently. So would GRUB do the trick?

Petey7 said:

As far as I can tell from what I've read, the recovery partition is useless without the HP_Tools partition. Doing a clean install on OEM computers (OEM means made by HP, Dell, Toshiba etc.) can be a bit tricky. In order to activate Windows you almost always have to activate by phone, a lengthy by relatively simple tesk. Also, some software that comes on OEM computer is necessary to use it properly, but cannot be easily reinstalled. For example, my friend has a ASUS computer that he paid $1500 for. He decided to do a clean install of Windows 7 and delete all the partitions on his hard drive without making recovery disk or a system image. He can no longer play blu-rays or get his webcam to work properly. Not saying the same would happen to you, just that it is something to consider. As long as you get Windows activated and you don't lose functionality, then everything else should be fine, including Windows updates. I can't say what your friend's issue with it is.

I have to ask why do you want to install a different OS anyways? Is there something about Windows 7 that does not meet your needs?

How could I lose functionality? Surely all the drivers for the devices will just be downloaded when required? Also, would it be possible to combine hp_tools and recovery partitions, maintaining the restore function without the CD's, and therefore freeing up a partition?

If I found the restore discs I made would I be able to restore without the recovery partition?

Would it put all the HP stuff back on?

That may be the answer. So if I get rid of one of the partitions, HP_tools or recovery, the other of the two won't work?

Tomtom111 said:

That may be the answer. So if I get rid of one of the partitions, HP_tools or recovery, the other of the two won't work?

What exactly is it that you would like to accomplish?

What other OS would you like to Dual Boot? If it's Linux the best method is here to avoid GRUB corrupting Win7: Dual boot Ubuntu-Win7

I gave you the best way to add another OS partition earlier based on three years experience of adding another OS to Win7 HP's where the user wishes to keep Recovery and Diag Tools intact.

However most tech enthusiasts do not run the grossly bloated HP preinstall but instead Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7. There are special notes at the end of the tutorial for HP owners.