Replace HP restore partition with my own

[Buratti]

Is there any way to replace the original restore partition that came with my HP dv7 notebook with a custom one (essentailly the state my computer is in at the moment)? Now I have read up and done searches on the same topic and have found ways to create my own using software like Acronis True Image, and I know using this type of software would yeild the same results as my question, but this is my OCD talking and I am wondering if there is a way to actually replace the image used to restore my PC to factory state with my own image. What I mean in more detail is still be able to use the ctrl F11 (or whatever the HP specific keys are) to start the restore process upon startup, having the same user interface as the factory restore, but only using my new custom image to restore instead. Is this possible and if so, how do I go about doing so?

I'd figure it'd be just as easy as replacing the factory image with my own, but the question is... Although the restore partition is visible when i open it in My Computer, I can't browse any of the files within that partition. Another question/problem would be what type of image format would I need to save my current image in? .iso or other? Any suggestions?

 

[zigzag3143]

Is there any way to replace the original restore partition that came with my HP dv7 notebook with a custom one (essentailly the state my computer is in at the moment)? Now I have read up and done searches on the same topic and have found ways to create my own using software like Acronis True Image, and I know using this type of software would yeild the same results as my question, but this is my OCD talking and I am wondering if there is a way to actually replace the image used to restore my PC to factory state with my own image. What I mean in more detail is still be able to use the ctrl F11 (or whatever the HP specific keys are) to start the restore process upon startup, having the same user interface as the factory restore, but only using my new custom image to restore instead. Is this possible and if so, how do I go about doing so?

I'd figure it'd be just as easy as replacing the factory image with my own, but the question is... Although the restore partition is visible when i open it in My Computer, I can't browse any of the files within that partition. Another question/problem would be what type of image format would I need to save my current image in? .iso or other? Any suggestions?

Can be done with True Image. True image can convert their image to win 7 and back. None of the images even OEM will be live. they will be an image at the time it was made just like the factory.

You cant browse the current restore partition because it isnt in a browsable format. True image is.

Buy a cop (or download the trial to test) to learn how to use it and the procedure).

Obviously I use Acronis and it hasnt failed me yet. I do however boot from the Acronis boot dvd I crated instead of using the "restore) method just in case the whole HD is dead

Ken J

 

[mjf]

Is there any way to replace the original restore partition that came with my HP dv7 notebook...................... replace the image used to restore my PC to factory state with my own image.

The PC factory state is what the name states. It's actually a customized build for your PC. The recovery partition has quite a bit on it including, generally, a bunch of spanned images .swm files (image equivalent of spanned zip files). Without actually doing a true clean install, it's as close as you are going to get along with advertising "junk". I'd just leave it alone.

A clean image of your system with junk removed, applications installed is just a standard image. It is a good thing to have and best stored on another HDD(s).
If you really want a personalised "factore restore" place the image on any other partition of your existing HDD except the OS partition. If you want to restore it outside of the OS just keep a "System Repair USB" handy.

If you really want to browse your recovery partition it's quite easy. Make a Macrium (free) image. Mount the image and browse away using 7zip to open archives.

 

[gregrocker]

It's much better to store the backup image on another HD, an external or on your network since if your HD fails it would take with it any image stored on the same HD. http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/663-backup-complete-computer-create-image-backup.html

Be sure to make your Recovery Disks so you have a path back to factory condition if for some reason it is needed to service warranty, sell the machine, etc., and you decide to delete Recovery to recover its space.

Your HP Recovery Disks can also have your favorite apps extracted if you decide you'd like to clean reinstall to get rid of the factory bloatware and useless utilities: http://www.sevenforums.com/installa...are-after-clean-win-7-install.html#post488270

Here are some tips on otherwise cleaning up a factory OEM bloatware install: http://www.sevenforums.com/installa...p-all-four-primary-partitions.html#post952573

 

[Bare Foot Kid]

Hello Buratti.



Here's some interesting info you may find useful, then you could make an image of the 'new' install and be sure to post back with any further questions you may have and to keep us informed.


After you have copied out or made back-ups of the data you need to save; if you can find an exact Windows version that the PC shipped with you can do a clean install using the activation key on the COA sticker attached to the PC though it may require a robo-call to MS to sort the OEM batch-key.

How to Activate Windows 7 by Phone


If you can't find an exact same version, you could use the info in this tutorial to create an "all Versions" installer of any version Windows installer, to install using the same method I posted above.

Windows 7 Universal Installation Disc - Create


After you have made backups of everything you care to save, the best method is to do a complete wipe (secure erase) of the entire Hard Disk Drive first, it over-writes everything, all the old Windows code including all the old drivers/programs, giving you the best possible space to install Windows to.

SSD / HDD : Optimize for Windows Reinstallation