How can I tell if my HP Recovery (D:) works in Windows 7?

[HouseOfUsher]

Hello,

I recently formatted my laptop, an HP Pavilion dv2425la in order to install Windows 7 Ultimate x64, which is now running fine but I'm wondering if the HP Recovery ( D: ) drive is still useful since the lap was bought back in 2008 when it came originally with Vista x32 and it has since then, been formatted several times, but I haven't kept track of the HP Recovery drive status.

It currently shows 2.55 GB available out of 7.99GB, the Recovery folder looks empty, not sure if that is normal, and I'm wondering if that information is updated, if it works or not, if there is a way to test it or otherwise delete it, if it turns out to be obsolete.

Thank you.

 

[LittleSomething]

Since you have Windows 7 now, you may not need to recover to Vista any more. You can use some partition tools to delete it. I think easeus partition master, minitool partition wizard and aomei partition assistant can help you. But you should create a new backup for your new system first.

 

[pippin]

HOU

You can test it and recover it using a program called TestDisk Download - CGSecurity

All the info and instructions are here CGSecurity - Data recovery: TestDisk & PhotoRec on their main page
From what I've read -if you reformat even once it will ruin it. Besides you said it was Vista so you don't want that anyway. Your better off making a recovery from your new OS. There is a tutorial here to make a new recovery disc.
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/2083-system-repair-disc-create.html

hope this helps

 

[LMiller7]

The recovery disk could only be used to restore to Vista as it left the factory. The recovery disk is never updated. Most of it's contents is not in file format so the drive will show as mostly empty. But it is far from that.