Windows 7 - Recovery Partition - Create

That's correct, it's plugged into the back of the computer. I don't mean to hijack this thread so I'm happy to post about this issue elsewhere if I need to.

Do you have a wired mouse and keyboard USB or ps2 that you can use.

I'm an idiot. That's the simple solution to my problem. I don't have a wired keyboard but I'll get my hands on one if I ever need to use the recovery. Thanks, theog.

Absolutely perfect. I have wondered how this was done for a long time now and at long last it's explained. Thank you

1 question I have is: How do companies like HP and Dell etc etc add software to there recovery partitions so when you reinstall windows 7 it installs the software to...?

Would be very interesting if someone could explain how its done and is it possible we could do it ourselves....?

Thanks again for your tutorial

To my knowledge most companies take their "Ideal" Machine then capture an image of that machines files and use a tool called ImageX from Microsoft to distribute it during install

What is ImageX?

As for doing it yourself it might be possible , haven't really thought about it but I would stick to System Images as they are easier to manage

Some companies and schools use the same thing or they might use a .wim Image on a network which is like a really big ISO file

Josh

Thanks Josh I always wondered what they did to add certain software to the partitions. What I was thinkinf of is adding office 2010 and see if it would install when I next run the partition. Also Adobe Master Suite CS5 because there pretty big programs and I always hate installing them.

It IS possible, but honestly... not really worth it. You can add programs to the recovery partition/iso using this: Welcome to RT Se7en Lite - Slipstream Service Pack,Integrate Updates,Integrate Drivers,Integrate LP,Remove Components,Enable or Disable features,Unattended Setup,Apply Tweaks,Add Icons,Wallpapers,Themes,Bootable USB or DVD but really all it does, is just install the programs after installation is completed. Its no quicker than doing it yourself.

The best way is to get your system setup how you like it and get an image backup.

This free backup program works very well: Macruim Reflect

Any problems and you can restore your backup image and your system will be exactly how it was the day you took the backup image, all programs installed etc.

Thanks guys for your help, I will get it running exactly how I want it and try it next time I have to reinstall. I done a clean install a few days ago now after getting BSoD and not being able to put it right so clean install was the only answer.

Again thank you for your help