My Lenovo laptop has a recovery partition in case I have to reload windows. How can I do the same thing on my Desktop? My Lenovo desktop did not come with a Windows 7 installation disk. Should I add a hard drive just for the recovery partition and unplug the SATA cable so it won't be corrupted if the computer is compromised by a virus.
Len
I'm not sure if you can make a recovery partition like the manufacturers do, I may be wrong and others will correct me if so.
Since your desktop did not come with the DVD look at this tutorial is it will show you how to make a DVD and there is also a link providing you with a legal download for windows seven Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7
Most computers when new at the first start up will prompt you to make your own DVDs and drivers disk that would be the same thing as the recovery partition that would set you back to factory install, you should look at your computer manual and see if that option is available.
Jerry
Thanks for the response Jerry.
Len
Typically OEM (Manufacturers) will have a recovery partition policy on almost all of their machines which are configured and setup by them. Since the image is compressed you will find that during the recovery the image is unpacked bit by bit. Because of this it would be unlikely for you to be able to store the partition on another drive since this may cause mount issues and the recovery partition has been configured to be setup on harddisk 0 partition 1.
When an OEM doesn't provide an installation disk then it is more than likely you will have a partition which requires some interaction to activate and begin the restore process.
For lenovo - How to use the pre-boot service partition to recover your software
My advice would be to create a system image using third part tools and storing it on the spare HDD. This means that you can restore the machine to fully working system image without the need to reinstall applications since the image will be of your "Golden System".
A tool widely supported is Macrium Reflect - Macrium Reflect FREE Edition - Information and download
Hope This Helps,
Josh! :)
If the Recovery (or any) partition doesn't have a drive letter you won't see it listed in Windows Explorer.
Look in Disk Management to see if a Recovery partition is listed there.
Disk Management - Post a Screen Capture Image
Follow this tutorial and we can tell you if there is a partition available for you to recover from
Josh
Not sure if it`s been mentioned, but if your desktop does not have a recovery partition, the best you can and should do is make a partition and put a disk image on it.
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