Solved Resize Recovery Partition?

[bug67]

This is probably a little OCD but, that's kinda how I am so, bare with me.

When I first got my Maingear computer, I could've sworn the recovery partition in system view was blue. Now it's red, meaning close to full. I know this partition doesn't move files on or off it so, how did it go from blue to red?

I guess my real question is, can I re-size the recovery partition enough to make it blue again or, should I seek counseling for my OCD? :shock:

 

[Bill2]

Sometimes the recovery partition gets written to though its not meant to be. The culprit could be system restore points or windows backups. You can check both for the backup location.

As far as the recovery partition is concerned, you need to check whether its usable now. Try launching recovery (dont go through it though). If you made recovery disks earlier, you're fine even if the recovery partition is hosed. If you didnt, you can try ordering them from the vendor- OEMs like HP, Dell etc. do provide an extra set for a nominal charge.

Even if nothing works, dont worry. Just image your current windows install using macrium or acronis or whatever you prefer, you can just restore the image if things go out of hand. For that matter, you can even clean install windows and activate with the sticker key.

 

[whs]

Resizing the recovery partition is not a valid option in my book. You should find out how it got stuffed. Open the recovery partition and have a look. As Bill mentioned, the main culprit is usually the data backup because that assumes D as default.

 

[mjf]

You should leave the recovery (factory restore) partition alone and so should everything else I think. Dell seem to use it to double as system active but this is small stuff and shouldn't significantly changing the size of the partition.

You could provide 2 pieces of information if you want more feedback:
1) screenshot from Disk Management
2) screen shot of the contents using the free Partition Wizard Mini Tool. Use the "Explore Partition" option.

As far as resizing the recovery/restore partition I definitely would not. Factory restores should impose the original partition structure.

 

[seavixen32]

Sometimes the recovery partition gets written to though its not meant to be. The culprit could be system restore points or windows backups. You can check both for the backup location.

As far as the recovery partition is concerned, you need to check whether its usable now. Try launching recovery (dont go through it though). If you made recovery disks earlier, you're fine even if the recovery partition is hosed. If you didnt, you can try ordering them from the vendor- OEMs like HP, Dell etc. do provide an extra set for a nominal charge.

Even if nothing works, dont worry. Just image your current windows install using macrium or acronis or whatever you prefer, you can just restore the image if things go out of hand. For that matter, you can even clean install windows and activate with the sticker key.

I think Bill's advice is sound and you should consider going with the options he suggested.

 

[bug67]

Thanks for the replies. I'm at work and can't take the suggestions at the moment. I'll look into things when I get home.

I guess now would be a good time to come clean. The partition in question (as with the whole Windows 7 OS) is on a SSD. I didn't know I wasn't supposed to but, I tried a defrag about 2 weeks after I got the system. It was after that that I noticed it went from blue to red. Everything seems to be working great. In fact, this is the most awesome machine I have ever had. I just don't like "red" things when they're not supposed to be.

All my data (music, pictures, documents, etc.) are on a separate, conventional HDD. I'm not affraid to re-install although, I'd rather not. A long time ago, on a different machine, I tried the "imaging" thing and it didn't work and I had to re-install anyhow. I imagine there's a tutorial on this site that is recommended for imaging?

When I get home I'll provide some of the info that was asked for. Hopefully, I can resolve this without imaging or a re-install...

Thanks.

 

[seavixen32]

You're very welcome.

Our resident tutor, Brink, has produced an excellent write-up for creating a system image:

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/663-backup-complete-computer-create-image-backup.html

If ever you're not sure of anything, feel free to click the Tutorials link at the top of the page. Chances are, Brink and his colleagues will have covered it.

However, like yourself, I have all my docs, photos, music etc. on a separate hard drive, which in backed up on an incremental basis to an external hard drive. If ever Windows goes walkabout, I just re-install it.

As ever, it's a matter of personal choice as to which method you choose, but not backing up is not an option in my book.

 

[whs]

If you want to do yourself a favor I recommend not to use Windows7 imaging - or at least not use it as the only option. Win7 imaging can be very iffy - many people had problems with it including myself. You are probably better off using the free Macrium or free Paragon which have a lot more function, are easier to use (especially Macrium) and are reliable.

 

[bug67]

If you want to do yourself a favor I recommend not to use Windows7 imaging - or at least not use it as the only option. Win7 imaging can be very iffy - many people had problems with it including myself. You are probably better off using the free Macrium or free Paragon which have a lot more function, are easier to use (especially Macrium) and are reliable.

Thanks for the suggestion. I was wondering just that as I read over the how-to. Looks a little overwhelming. I'm not even sure yet what I'm going to need to do. However, I am glad I have Seven Forums as a resource.

 

[Bare Foot Kid]

You should still get counseling, it seems to be helping me! :huh:

 

[whs]

If you want to do yourself a favor I recommend not to use Windows7 imaging - or at least not use it as the only option. Win7 imaging can be very iffy - many people had problems with it including myself. You are probably better off using the free Macrium or free Paragon which have a lot more function, are easier to use (especially Macrium) and are reliable.

Thanks for the suggestion. I was wondering just that as I read over the how-to. Looks a little overwhelming. I'm not even sure yet what I'm going to need to do. However, I am glad I have Seven Forums as a resource.

if you need any specific info, just ask.

 

[seavixen32]

You should still get counseling, it seems to be helping me! :huh:

It hasn't done me any favours - I can't even remember why I go now!

 

[bug67]

OK, I'm home now and this is what I see.

 

[seavixen32]

OK, thanks for posting the screenshots.

1. You're worrying about nothing.
2. Your recovery partition is 5.85GB in size, and there should be no more than 10% of free space in it.
3. Your free space is shown as 418MB, which is around the 10% mark.
5. There's no point in even trying to increase its size as nothing else should go in there.
6. If the red bar worries you, go into Disk Management and remove the drive letter (the drive won't be removed), that way you won't see the drive in Windows Explorer or Computer.

As for your other screenshots, you've got separate partitions for your operating system and data, which is good.

I would suggest you just create a system image of Drive C or just re-install Windows to it if your system goes belly-up.

As for your data partition you can use Windows Backup to back it up to an external hard drive, and then do incremental backups on a regular basis.

 

[whs]

Looks like no files were added to E. The only other culprit could be a restore point (if system restore was accidently enabled for D). You can check that with the following command in elevated Command Prompt:


vssadmin list shadowstorage


Have a look whether E figures on the list. Else, I agree with seavixen - there is not really anything to worry about.

 

[bug67]

OK, thanks for posting the screenshots.

1. You're worrying about nothing.

That's been my main thought all along!

2. Your recovery partition is 5.85GB in size, and there should be no more than 10% of free space in it.
3. Your free space is shown as 418MB, which is around the 10% mark.

Good to know.

5. There's no point in even trying to increase its size as nothing else should go in there.

Whew! To tell the truth, I'm glad I don't need to mess with it. I was kinda intimidated by the instructions. :sarc:

6. If the red bar worries you, go into Disk Management and remove the drive letter (the drive won't be removed), that way you won't see the drive in Windows Explorer or Computer.

Like I said, "OCD" :shock:

As for your other screenshots, you've got separate partitions for your operating system and data, which is good.

I would suggest you just create a system image of Drive C or just re-install Windows to it if your system goes belly-up.

As for your data partition you can use Windows Backup to back it up to an external hard drive, and then do incremental backups on a regular basis.

I already run a data back-up weekly to an external HDD. Good to know I'm not a total head case!

 

[bug67]

Looks like no files were added to E. The only other culprit could be a restore point (if system restore was accidently enabled for D). You can check that with the following command in elevated Command Prompt:


vssadmin list shadowstorage


Have a look whether E figures on the list. Else, I agree with seavixen - there is not really anything to worry about.

I saw no "E" anywhere after running that command.

So, I guess I'm good.

 

[seavixen32]

Well, it's done no harm in checking things out and it's been our pleasure to put your mind at rest.

If you consider the topic is resolved, just click the red triangle and type "Solved" in the text box that pops up.

Stay cool and enjoy Windows 7!

 

[mjf]

I suggest you read my sound advice again. You may indeed have something to worry about. You need to find out what is happening with your recovery partition. If it stays exactly as is you may not have a problem. The fact that it went from blue to red means it is being written to.

I suggest you at least keep an eye on the size of your recovery partition over time.
WinDirStat enables you to visually see what's going on.

 

[bug67]

You should leave the recovery (factory restore) partition alone and so should everything else I think. Dell seem to use it to double as system active but this is small stuff and shouldn't significantly changing the size of the partition.

You could provide 2 pieces of information if you want more feedback:
1) screenshot from Disk Management
2) screen shot of the contents using the free Partition Wizard Mini Tool. Use the "Explore Partition" option.

As far as resizing the recovery/restore partition I definitely would not. Factory restores should impose the original partition structure.

I suggest you read my sound advice again. You may indeed have something to worry about. You need to find out what is happening with your recovery partition. If it stays exactly as is you may not have a problem. The fact that it went from blue to red means it is being written to.

I suggest you at least keep an eye on the size of your recovery partition over time.
WinDirStat enables you to visually see what's going on.

Here are the screen shots you requested.