Solved Dell Inspiron N5110 has missing recovery partition.

[angiesluck]

When going to update using Dells data safe it says missing recovery partition. Is there anyway I can create it without losing any data/files already on laptop. Thanks guys

 

[Azo]

Solution Proposed !

Well the problem is actually on Dell's part not yours and is rather easy to solve. Actually the recovery partiton is hidden so the old version of Data Safe is unable to detect it. Let's solve this problem niw:

1. Open MyComputer, Click on C: drive.
2. Open Program Files (x86)/Dell DataSafe Local Backup/Components/DSUpdate
3. Click DSUpdate (an .exe file shown as type "Application") (You must be connected to internet)

4. It will update from version 9.4.40 to 9.4.4x (where x > 0)

5. It did something with the partition.
6. It will tell you to "reboot". Restart the laptop.
7. Then launch Dell DataSafe Local Backup.
8. This new version will detect the partition and enable you to make recovery discs.
9. You will need two DVD's and it will take approx one hour to create the recovery discs.


Hope this helps !

 

[marsmimar]

To see if Azo is correct (that the Recovery partition is simply hidden) you could open Disk Management and see if the Recovery partition is still showing. If it's not, it's most likely no longer on your hard drive.

How To Access Disk Management in Windows 7

If the Recovery partition is no longer on the hard drive it's probably not going to be possible to recreate it according to this Dell forum member. (Fireberd is also a Seven Forums member and very knowledgeable about all things Dell.)

Inspiron N5110 - restore to factory defaults !! BIG PROBLEM - Microsoft OS Forum - Software & Operating Systems - Dell Community

 

[Azo]

Most correct marsmimar. I forgot that possibility. Thanks for the reply !

 

[angiesluck]

I can only find Program File (x86) not (x686)

Also In computer management I see Disk 0.....and in a box it says.....WINDOWS (c) 596.17 GB NTSF Healthy (System, Boot, Page File, Active, Crash Dump, Primary Partition)

 

[Azo]

Sorry that's x86 actually. My typo.

 

[angiesluck]

I clicked on everything as you have said but nothing happens!

 

[Azo]

Then try following this: http://en.community.dell.com/support-forums/software-os/f/3524/t/19381023.aspx

 

[angiesluck]

Hi, AZO that link just took me too the main windows 7 forum menu.....it does not actually dictate what I am supposed to be viewing to help me

 

[Azo]

Link edited. Try out now !

 

[angiesluck]

Thanks...but the links do not help me into sorting out the recovery partition that I have missing

 

[Azo]

Can you allow remote desktop connection? Then I can check it out myself ! I will check the problem and try to solve it by controlling your PC. You can terminate connection anytime you like.

 

[marsmimar]

When going to update using Dells data safe it says missing recovery partition. Is there anyway I can create it without losing any data/files already on laptop. Thanks guys

If you're trying not to lose your data, files, etc then any attempt to restore your computer using recovery disks won't work. Recovery disks (or a recovery partition) are designed to return your computer to factory specifications, just like the day it was when you got it home from the store. All personal info, programs, data, tweaks, settings, themes, etc will be erased.

What exactly are you trying to update? The Dell Data Safe or something else? If something else there may be a workaround that would allow the update(s) while preserving your data.

 

[Layback Bear]

angiesluck I'm no expert by any means but after reading this trend twice I and maybe others don't understand what you are trying to update and why. Please explain.

 

[angiesluck]

OK....A Dell update pops up...and when I go to update it says it cannot find the recovery partition as it is missing.....so the update cannot go ahead.....I have checked to try and find if I have the recovery partition on the hard drive but too no success.....I have tried what I have been told with the going to re update the (dell safe update system) on drive C but it will not launch the dell safe update...so unable to do the update to see if this is the problem causing the dell safe too not detect the recovery partition (if it is hidden) that is....or it just may be that the recovery partition is not on my hard drive....When I first got the laptop...it had it all installed so didnt need to do anything....its since this update keeps popping up that I have discovered that it is possible that the recovery partition has not been done.....I hope this helps in you understanding my problem....let me know

 

[Layback Bear]

That does help. Greg and Karl are probably the best along these lines. I will see if I can find you some help.

 

[angiesluck]

Great ...Thanks

 

[Golden]

Hi,

Lets see if that recovery partition does exist. Please follow these steps:

1. Click the Start Orb
2. In the search box, type disk managment
3. Click on the item that says 'Create and format hard disk partitions'
4. Take a screen capture image of the screen that opens, after maximising it, and then post the image here.

It should look similar to the image below.

Regards,
Golden

 

[angiesluck]

Hope this helps and thanks for helping me

 

[marsmimar]

Like I suggested back in Post # 3, the recovery partition isn't showing on your hard drive.