Solved How do i access hidden partition on my hard drive ?

[buttnuggets]

i have a 320 Gb HDD,there is a partition with no name which is nearly 10 Gb which i know has data and programs from clean install..

 

[theog]

Can you post a screen shot of Disk management?
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/9733-how-post-screenshot-seven-forums.html

Screenshot tools.
http://www.sevenforums.com/general-...ed-method-uploading-posting-screen-shots.html
How to Use the Snipping Tool in Vista - Vista Forums
Snipping Tool - Windows 7 features - Microsoft Windows
Use Snipping Tool to capture screen shots
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/9717-screenshot-paint.html
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/51160-screenshot-upload-using-mwsnap.html
fscapture free download

Use Snipping Tool to capture screen shots

 

[seavixen32]

Welcome to Windows Seven Forums.

Please post a screenshot of an expanded view of your drive layout in disk management.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/9733-screenshots-files-upload-post-seven-forums.html

In all probability the partition contains the manufacter's recovery image and as such, should not be touched. If the partition gets corrupted you'll be unable to reinstall Windows unless you have a set of recovery discs or a Windows DVD.

Have you created your recovery discs yet? If not, you should do before you do anything else.

 

[buttnuggets]

I only wish to check it as i tried doing a clean install by hitting f10 at startup to access restore and it said ther was no execute option which i dont understand as i had done clean install that way before.

 

[seavixen32]

Well, it's definitely your recovery partition, which when used recovers your system to its factory state.

Unless you've created a set of recovery discs you want to leave it well alone.

Have you checked your Start folder to see if there is an option to recover your system?

 

[theog]

For better help with problems, Can you post your specs.
http://www.sevenforums.com/general-discussion/22550-filling-out-system-specs.html
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/180324-system-info-see-your-system-specs.html

http://www.sevenforums.com/hardware-devices/6936-dont-know-what-hardware-you-have.html
VistaForums SysInfo Tool - Vista Forums

Make & model would help.

 

[buttnuggets]

seavixen32 i have made a repair disk,and in start menu it says to re install i need a disk which i didn't before

 

[theog]

For better help with problems, Can you post your specs.
http://www.sevenforums.com/general-discussion/22550-filling-out-system-specs.html
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/180324-system-info-see-your-system-specs.html

http://www.sevenforums.com/hardware-devices/6936-dont-know-what-hardware-you-have.html
VistaForums SysInfo Tool - Vista Forums

Make & model would help.

The above would help us to help you.

 

[buttnuggets]

theog Soz it took me so long

 

[theog]

   Information

We always assume you have made your Recovery Disks using the OEM manufacturer's Recovery Media Creator app the first day you had your new PC.
& made the Startup Repair CD.
startup repair disc-create
​

Did you make the OEM manufacturer's Recovery Disks?

How to make Sony Recovery Disks:
View Document

How to use Sony Recovery:
View Document

How to use Sony Hardware Diagostics:
View Document

How to order Sony Recovery disks:
1.Go to http://servicesales.sel.sony.com.
2.Enter your computer's model number (for example, PCV-XXXX), and click List Parts and accessories.
3.Follow the online instructions to order the Recovery Media Kit.
If you are not able to access the Sony Direct Accessories and Parts Center Web site, contact a customer service representative at 1-800-488-7669.

 

[mjf]

Download Partition Wizard mini Tool - see free program list.
Use "Explore partition" - as simple as that.

You can then Browse and see everything inside your hidden recovery partition.

 

[seavixen32]

seavixen32 i have made a repair disk,and in start menu it says to re install i need a disk which i didn't before

A repair disc is not the same as a system recovery disc.

The repair disc creates a Windows 7 interface that gets you into the recovery environment and various repair options. It does not reinstall Windows. For that you need a Windows DVD or a set of recovery discs.

 

[karlsnooks]

Buttnuggets,

Please read this real carefully and follow this procedure to update your System Specs. By following this procedure, then on any post of yours we only need to click on the "my system specs" at the bottom left of a post.

Update your SevenForums System Specs
User CP (3rd item in the top menu bar) |
Your Profile | Edit System Spec (left-hand column)

To gather info, use SIW or Speccy or System Info

Add the word laptop or desktop or netbook to the
“system manufacturer” block, for example,
Toshiba Satellite L305D notebook.

Provide full windows version info, for example:
MS Windows 7 Ultimate SP1 64-bit

Use the “Other Info” block for Optical Reader,
Mouse, touchpad, wifi adapter, speakers, monitor, etc

Scroll down and click on the SAVE CHANGES button.

==================================================
=========================================================

Now to unhide the partition:
Go to an elevated command prompt=run cmd.exe as administrator

enter following commands:
DISKPART --- run the diskpart program
LIST DISK ---- list the disks in system
SELECT DISK n ----n is number of disk with hidden volume
DETAIL DISK ----- to make sure you got the right one
LIST VOLUME ------lists the volumes in the system
SELECT VOLUME n ----n is the number of the hidden volume
DETAIL VOLUME ---- to make sure you got the right one
ATTRIBUTES VOLUME CLEAR HIDDEN ---clear the hidden attribute
EXIT --- exit from DiskPart
EXIT --- exit from command shell

Later if you want to hide the volume again then the command is:
ATTRIBUTES VOLUME SET HIDDEN