Recovery Methods in Dual Boot Computer

[michael diemer]

Specs: Dell Inspiron laptop, 64 bit; 6 GB ram; Seagate 1 TB HDD; Windows 7 HP and Linux (Zorin) on separate partitions.

Windows has become slow and hangs on this computer, Zorin runs fine. Hard drive rated "Caution" by Crystal Disc for reallocated sectors. HDD is about 5 years old. I would like to either do a system restore; reinstall Windows using the non-destructive method (where you pretend it's an upgrade); use a system image; or do a fresh install of Windows. I could also divide the partition and install a new copy of Windows on the new partition.

So far, I have had no luck using system restore. I suspect that's because originally Windows was installed to the entire 1 TB disk, and now it's on a smaller partition. An image restore would probably run into the same problem, most likely (although the paid version of Macrium may allow you to do this).

Currently, I have Windows set to boot in safe mode with networking, although it can't connect to the web, which may be due to wireless issues. I haven't tried using a wired connection; hopefully that would work. If I could get it to work with wireless, that could also be a solution to the problem, if my wife doesn't mind the funky VGA display (although it looks pretty good actually at top resolution, thanks to the large 17" screen).

 

[samuria]

If there are bad sectors the disk is on its way out and nothing is going to work it cant be fixed you need a new hd

 

[michael diemer]

If there are bad sectors the disk is on its way out and nothing is going to work it cant be fixed you need a new hd

Thanks for that Samuria, but I have seen it said that the concern is more for a steadily increasing count, and if it remains stable over time, the drive may last a long time. Still, I know it's best to replace it and that is definitely in the works. I'm just hoping to get Windows back into shape before we do that, so it can at least serve as an archive or emergency drive.

Incidentally, I have found that putting Linux on a drive with high counts can extend its life indefinitely. I have a drive over 10 years old, rated BAD by Crystal Disc, that I have had several Linux OS's on and it just keeps going. It does get hot though.

 

[SIW2]

1. Images can usually be restored to a smaller partition - though it obviously must be larger than the original used space.

Most imaging can do that nowadays, including the free versions. Might depend on whether your imaging program can.
Otherwise, most imaging programs will mount their images to a virtual partition and the contents can be "cloned" from there to the target partition.

2. To get around the larger used space issue:

DiskGenius ( free version ) and O&O diskimage Pro v12 ( which is now available free) can "clone" from a mounted partition while allowing exclusions of selected files/folders to keep the size down.

 

[SIW2]

1. O&O Diskimage Pro v12 available free. Lots of options including imaging to their regular format, or to vhd ( V15 also does vhdx ). Also included is restore to different hardware, excluding files/folders from images, etc. Nice stuff for enthusiasts.

Register for free Diskimage Pro V12 license here:
Registration for your FREE license of O&O DiskImage 12
They send an email. Click the link in the email they sent you and you will receive another email with your license key

Download O&O Diskimage Pro V12 program in English
Download Archive


2. O&O fans might be interested in the new O&O Diskimage Pro v15 - available on special for £8 ( or $10 )or the pack with three other tools for £12 is even better
O&O Software - special

NOTE: because of high dpi setting, v15 doesn't play well with standard win7 winre. For v15 use win8/10 winpe to create recovery media

3. Disk Genius free version is here:
All-in-one Solution for Data Recovery, Partition Manager and Data Backup - DiskGenius

4. If you need bootable recovery media, this 17514x64v15.iso includes diskgenius and lots of other tools ( the iso needs to be extracted to usb, using usb7ice or similar)

View attachment Usb7ice.zip

 

[michael diemer]

Wow, that's great info, SIW2. I will check those offers out. I may use an old drive as test first before I go screwing up her computer ("But Honey, I was just trying to help...").

Thanks again!