Quick Questions About Factory Reset, Recovery Partitions, etc.

[ChenAzn]

I'm currently trying to figure out which type of recovery method (re-install, system recovery, or factory reset) I want to do to my computer. It's an OEM from HP with Windows 7 Home Premium on it. I've been reading around about the different types of recoveries and honestly, the computer jargon has my brain in a knot.

So I have a couple of quick questions regarding how the whole recovery process works.

1) What exactly is a recovery partition? Do all operating systems have this function?
2) Which recovery methods "destroy" the recovery partition, and what happens when it is destroyed?
3) Which recovery methods require that I back up my drivers to an external source?
4) To remove a nasty virus, i.e. Google redirect virus, which method would you recommend?
5) What is the difference between factory reset and system recovery?
6) What is the best method to re-install Windows without a disc that is straight-forward (so someone without a good computer background can understand and perform without any problems)?

I hope someone can answer some/all of these questions. Thanks!!!

 

[gregrocker]

You can either run Factory Recovery: Dell Restoring Your Computer´s Software to the Factory Settings

Or you can do a superior Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7. Read the special note to Dell owners.

Either is enough to overwrite infection.

 

[ChenAzn]

You can either run Factory Recovery: Dell Restoring Your Computer´s Software to the Factory Settings

Or you can do a superior Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7. Read the special note to Dell owners.

Either is enough to overwrite infection.

Neither have any consequences?

If you clean reinstall only to C and leave all other partitions intact, F11 Recovery key should still work later if you need it.

This was a "Note" for HP users doing a clean re-install. What is the recovery key..?

I do have a copy of Win 7 Ultimate disc from a friend. I hear there's a way to get Home Premium install using that disc, does it actually work and is it worth the steps to do so?

 

[gregrocker]

As long as you backup your files first and have the program installers on hand then Recovery or Reinstall should not be a problem. Recovery reinstalls all of the factory bloatware, so Reinstall is a much better install.

The latest official installer and tool to write to flash stick or burn to DVD is in the tutorial.

F11 is the key used to begin HP Recovery, which has nothing to do with Dell OEM. As it says in the Dell note a Clean Reinstall will break the F8 hotlink to run Dell Recovery so you can delete the Recovery partition after making the Dell Recovery disks first.

 

[ChenAzn]

Program installers as in Microsoft Office, etc. right? Don't need to back up any drivers either way?

My mistake, my computer is HP don't know why I said Dell in first post.

So the Clean re-install breaks the HP Recovery availability but will become available if I create a recovery disc for it? That's where my understanding comes to an end...

 

[gregrocker]

HP Recovery should still run on newer models after Clean Reinstall so you can keep it and the HP Tools partitions while reinstalling to C, or you can make your Recovery disks and delete all partitions to rely only on the disks in case you need to restore to Factory Condition to resell the computer, etc.

Once you reinstall you'll likely want to backup an image of your customized Clean Install to use in place of Recovery.

 

[ChenAzn]

So when I do my clean install I'll have the option to partition parts of the drive to Recovery, Tools, etc. right?

And by

Once you reinstall you'll likely want to backup an image of your customized Clean Install to use in place of Recovery.

you Recovery to factory condition right? Is there a tutorial on how to do this?

Thanks for all your help!

 

[gregrocker]

There's no reason to partition for Recovery or Tools if you delete those partitions during install. That's the point of deleting them since they are no longer needed. If you want them then don't delete them.

Here is how to back up an image of Win7 externally, and restore it if needed:
Backup Complete Computer - Create an Image Backup
System Image Recovery

 

[ChenAzn]

What were they partitioned for in the first place if they are no longer needed? And you're saying as long as I back up an image of Windows 7 externally I won't need a Recovery partition right?

Do system restore, system recovery, factory reset, etc. need the recovery partition in order to operate?

 

[gregrocker]

The Recovery partition contains the factory image which can be used to reimage the HD to the condition it was when it came from factory, and can generate Recovery Disks. It provides no other functions.

With backup imaging built into Win7 you can save your own customized OS image externally where it will be available in case of HD failure.

I would still make my Factory Recovery disks to have a path back to factory condition.

 

[ChenAzn]

Ah ok I understand now, thanks for the info! You never answered my question about using the Win7 Ultimate disc to install Home Premium though?

 

[gregrocker]

It isn't necessary. Everything you need is in Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7

 

[ChenAzn]

I thought it'd be easier that way? I can skip the whole USB flash drive part.

Quick question, on Step 4, why would you make your Recovery Disks before you do the clean re-install?

 

[gregrocker]

Because you'll lose the ability to run Factory Recovery after reinstall with Dells unless you make them. And you want to preserve the option unless you know for sure there is no way you'd ever want to recover to Factory condition.

 

[ChenAzn]

I'm using an HP, and my computer is infected with a virus, so wouldn't making an image of my computer's current state do nothing?

 

[gregrocker]

We are discussing making your Recovery disks so you have a path back to factory condition if it's ever needed - like to sell the computer.

The Recovery disks are made from the factory image stored on the Recovery partition, not the WIn7 installation as it currently exists. Only if you made a backup image of the current install would that be the case.

I suggest you wipe the HD from the booted installer with Diskpart Clean Command to get the cleanest slate, then Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7.

DISKPART At PC Startup

 

[ChenAzn]

What is the purpose of using Diskpart and should I do a clean or clean all?

Also I don't think I'd ever have any use for a path back to factory condition, since I don't plan on re-sale and since a clean re-install is always available.

I'm concerned about the drivers as well; can I copy the drivers to an external hard drive before re-install?

 

[gregrocker]

It overwrites the boot sector code in case there is infected or conflicting code. We use it often to solve installation problems. Clean is sufficient.

Drivers are explained in the tutorial so just be sure to follow the steps.

 

[ChenAzn]

Sounds good, I'll let you know if there are any installation problems. Thanks for your help!