Backup Copy of Hidden Hard Drive Partition

Go to the website for your computer and type in to "how to copy recovery files". This should lead you to the correct way to make them. Depending on what type of computer and version of windows you are running will dictate how it should be done. Under vista you can only make one copy of the recovery discs, so you need to make sure you put them someplace safe. This should copy all the files necessary to put your computer back to the way it was when you bought it. This will not back up any files you created after purchase, nor will it copy any new programs you installed beyond what came with your computer. Back those up or make copies frequently.

Good Luck

That's all I want. Thanx

Also, good copy software should be able to make accurate copies of the copies....I would (if I was silly enough to have Vista in the first place !!Sorry )........

Sorry Andy, I have XP and I do not want to loose it.

My machine has just turned 3 years old and started warning me that the battery is getting old, it is still going OK though (it's not the famous sony brand, which used to blow up, but the more humble sanyo).

However, I am more concerned if the hard drive one day plays up on me and then I'd have to redo everything at a hefty price. Windows would be more expensive than the hard drive itself, I'm sure.

I only use XP Pro, I have now got 5 copies of it running on various PCs and Laptops in the immediate family and 3 spare copies, brand new, just in case.......

I see no reason to ever go to Vista, ever.....and Win 7 will have to be at least 3 years old before I try it!!!

I can only say that maybe you did not read/understand what I wrote about Vista.....you should read more carefully before posting my friend.......that can cause serious misunderstanding!!

"Sorry Andy, I have XP and do not want to lose it."

How did you misunderstand so badly?????

"How did you misunderstand so badly?????"

I didn't misunderstand you Andy. I merely tried to apply my cool sense of humour that you didn't seemed to get. Perhaps I should have used this to make sure you've got it.

Anyway, can you elaborate on how you prepared your backup copy boot CD?

I seemed to have missed the point without the smiley to help me, sorry.....

We both appear to be sailing on the same boat and are not even arguing about the direction!!

I am just surprised (pleasantly I might add.....it seldom happens!)

I have downloaded all the files from Dell's website, after entering the Service Tag, onto an SD storage medium.

Now, how can I make this a booting device?

I have not been able to format the SD as a booting system disc/device before download, any suggestion?

Got to start then type back up into search, choose backup & Restore center.

Can you elaborate a little better!

Grumpy,

We, you and I are describing an evolution to create a device by which you may backup your system.

You have the files and want to discover the means to accomplish the task.

Boot your computer, log on then look for the start button at the lower left corner of the desktop. Left click the start button, then in the search pane or box type 'backup', then look at the list displayed above the search box where you are typing and near the top of the start panel window for the methods available to complete the task to your satisfaction.

I think we have a misunderstanding here.

I am after a proper system backup disk in case something happens to my hard drive and I am not referring to a normal backup procedure.

Okay my mistake.

You have the system backup files from Dell correct and you want to use a Scan Disk type media (not recommended) as the backup device?

Suggest you use an Solid State Disk partitioned with the backup files, then allot the remaining memory less about 10% to the "Ready Boost" function. Oops! my mistake again thinking you had Vista but XP doesn't have ready boost though the SSD is still recommended

best way is too install a 2nd hard drive and use it as the shadow copy.

Does it allow you to copy across the hidden system files to the back up hard drive? How can you bring up those hidden files? I just want to copy the them either onto another hard drive or a CD.

Last night when I've got on Dell's website they asked me to logon to my account, which I haven't even got, before downloading all those files. All I could do is left a message for them to let me know if there's anything I could do about it. (I bought my laptop through my old job and to them I'm practically non existent.)

Go to system tools and the file and system trasfer link. use it

http://www.windowsitpro.com/article/articleid/13754/how-can-i-backuprestore-my-master-boot-record.html

Get a good image copy software, image to a separate drive, keep separate drive out of the computer. This way electrical faults can not kill your reserve drive.

Go to this link and download "Drive Image XML" HERE.

Download this software into your Windows operating system boot drive and install the program.

Now we need to watch an 8 minute YouTube tutorial of how to use Drive Image XML

Isti,

Have you already gone through the "Create Recovery Disks" routine on this computer? I think all XP computers that shipped without recovery disks have this option available. As mentioned earlier by charsley99, this can only be done once, so if it's already been done, it might not show up in your programs list. Go to "Start", "Programs", "System Tools", and see if "Create System Restore Disks" (it may be worded a bit different) is available. You can also see if there is a Dell specific "help" shown in your programs, if there is, go to it and type "Restore Disks" into a search, it might be they have this utility in a different place than I mentioned. If it's available, it will prompt you through creating a set of restore disks (CD or DVD). These will be bootable disks (at least the first one) that you can put into your CD/DVD drive and boot to the disks, then you have the option to restore the system to the original shipped configuration. I'm not sure if this type of restore will also restore the "hidden" recovery partition on the hard-drive.

If you do just want to copy the "hidden" recovery files, you will need to use a partition-type imaging/copying program (I think one was mentioned earlier). Those restore files are protected against the "standard" type of copying using Windows software. I use a program called "Acronis True Image" and it will copy those types of partitions, but it's not free. I'm sure there are a number of free options out there, including some that would be part of a Linux Live CD that could be booted on your computer, and allow you to copy the "hidden" partition onto an external drive of some type. Keep in mind that whatever software you use to make an image of the hidden partion will be needed at the time you wish to restore this partition to another hard drive. Good luck!

Tom

In XP go to the help screen and type in "repair overview". This will walk you through many options and how to do them.