Windows Vista Do I need a "Recovery (D)" Partition?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Jim In Minneapolis
  • Start date Start date
J

Jim In Minneapolis

Guest
I just noticed that my desktop (Dell Inspiron) DOES have a separate hard
drive partition labeled "RECOVERY (D)" -- about 10 MB in size.

What's that all about? Do I need it?

ALSO . . . I noticed that my laptop (Dell Dimension) does NOT have any
"RECOVERY (D)" partition . . . only an "OC (C)" partition.

Is that bad not to have a "Recovery" partition?

If it is, then would some kind soul please tell me how to add it?

Thanks.
 
Re: Do I need a "Recovery (D)" Partition?

On Sat, 11 Oct 2008 21:20:00 -0700, Jim In Minneapolis
<JimInMinneapolis@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote:

>I just noticed that my desktop (Dell Inspiron) DOES have a separate hard
>drive partition labeled "RECOVERY (D)" -- about 10 MB in size.
>
>What's that all about? Do I need it?

You might if Windows ever gets trashed so badly that you can't fix it
any other way. Dell put that there rather than give you a recovery
DVD (look at the discs that came with the machine to make sure). When
you start your machine, you see prompts at the bottom (maybe the top)
of your screen telling you the options you have - using the "F" keys.

There SHOULD be a way for you to create a recovery DVD - from within
Windows - using the material in that partition. LOOK FOR IT and DO
that.

>ALSO . . . I noticed that my laptop (Dell Dimension) does NOT have any
>"RECOVERY (D)" partition . . . only an "OC (C)" partition.
>
>Is that bad not to have a "Recovery" partition?

NO.. it means that you GOT the recovery media on a disc. Check your
discs to make sure. Note: the disc for that machine will NOT work
with the other one.

>If it is, then would some kind soul please tell me how to add it?

Only the manufacturer can do that. YOU can make a DVD from it.
Again... look for the instructions on how to do that before it's too
late.
 
Re: Do I need a "Recovery (D)" Partition?

Jim In Minneapolis wrote:
> I just noticed that my desktop (Dell Inspiron) DOES have a separate
> hard drive partition labeled "RECOVERY (D)" -- about 10 MB in size.
>
> What's that all about? Do I need it?
>
> ALSO . . . I noticed that my laptop (Dell Dimension) does NOT have any
> "RECOVERY (D)" partition . . . only an "OC (C)" partition.
>
> Is that bad not to have a "Recovery" partition?
>
> If it is, then would some kind soul please tell me how to add it?
>
> Thanks.
====================================
I suspect you meant to say your recovery partition
is 10 GB? And yes if your system ever becomes
corrupted you will find it to be very worthwhile.

The files on the recovery partition will revert your
system to what is commonly referred to as "Out
of the box" All of your personal files and settings
would be gone. IOW...the system will be exactly
as it was the first time you turned on the computer.

The following article is about an HP system but
even still should help explain what a recovery
partition is.

HP Recovery From Partition
http://www.pctechbytes.com/hp-recovery.htm

For the best protection IMHO...a product like
"Acronis True Image Home 2009" would be worth
a look. This software allows the user to create an
image of the complete hard drive that can be
restored quickly if the need arises.

--

John Inzer MS-MVP
Digital Media Experience

Notice
This is not tech support
I am a volunteer

Solutions that work for
me may not work for you

Proceed at your own risk
 
Re: Do I need a "Recovery (D)" Partition?

So, if I have my "system restore" CDs for that PC from Dell which came with
it, then the "RECOVERY" partition is redundant? (i.e. - duplicate function,
not necessar, can be deleted with no loss to me?)


"Paul Montgomery" wrote:

> On Sat, 11 Oct 2008 21:20:00 -0700, Jim In Minneapolis
> <JimInMinneapolis@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote:
>
> >I just noticed that my desktop (Dell Inspiron) DOES have a separate hard
> >drive partition labeled "RECOVERY (D)" -- about 10 MB in size.
> >
> >What's that all about? Do I need it?
>
> You might if Windows ever gets trashed so badly that you can't fix it
> any other way. Dell put that there rather than give you a recovery
> DVD (look at the discs that came with the machine to make sure). When
> you start your machine, you see prompts at the bottom (maybe the top)
> of your screen telling you the options you have - using the "F" keys.
>
> There SHOULD be a way for you to create a recovery DVD - from within
> Windows - using the material in that partition. LOOK FOR IT and DO
> that.
>
> >ALSO . . . I noticed that my laptop (Dell Dimension) does NOT have any
> >"RECOVERY (D)" partition . . . only an "OC (C)" partition.
> >
> >Is that bad not to have a "Recovery" partition?
>
> NO.. it means that you GOT the recovery media on a disc. Check your
> discs to make sure. Note: the disc for that machine will NOT work
> with the other one.
>
> >If it is, then would some kind soul please tell me how to add it?
>
> Only the manufacturer can do that. YOU can make a DVD from it.
> Again... look for the instructions on how to do that before it's too
> late.
>
 
Re: Do I need a "Recovery (D)" Partition?

Thanks for your suggestions . . . .

What if I already have the 'system restore" CDs that came from Dell with the
PC (operating system, etc.) -- can I delete the "Partition D" without any
loss? Does it just do the same thing as those discs?

"John Inzer" wrote:

> Jim In Minneapolis wrote:
> > I just noticed that my desktop (Dell Inspiron) DOES have a separate
> > hard drive partition labeled "RECOVERY (D)" -- about 10 MB in size.
> >
> > What's that all about? Do I need it?
> >
> > ALSO . . . I noticed that my laptop (Dell Dimension) does NOT have any
> > "RECOVERY (D)" partition . . . only an "OC (C)" partition.
> >
> > Is that bad not to have a "Recovery" partition?
> >
> > If it is, then would some kind soul please tell me how to add it?
> >
> > Thanks.
> ====================================
> I suspect you meant to say your recovery partition
> is 10 GB? And yes if your system ever becomes
> corrupted you will find it to be very worthwhile.
>
> The files on the recovery partition will revert your
> system to what is commonly referred to as "Out
> of the box" All of your personal files and settings
> would be gone. IOW...the system will be exactly
> as it was the first time you turned on the computer.
>
> The following article is about an HP system but
> even still should help explain what a recovery
> partition is.
>
> HP Recovery From Partition
> http://www.pctechbytes.com/hp-recovery.htm
>
> For the best protection IMHO...a product like
> "Acronis True Image Home 2009" would be worth
> a look. This software allows the user to create an
> image of the complete hard drive that can be
> restored quickly if the need arises.
>
> --
>
> John Inzer MS-MVP
> Digital Media Experience
>
> Notice
> This is not tech support
> I am a volunteer
>
> Solutions that work for
> me may not work for you
>
> Proceed at your own risk
>
>
>
 
Re: Do I need a "Recovery (D)" Partition?

On Sat, 11 Oct 2008 23:40:01 -0700, Jim In Minneapolis
<JimInMinneapolis@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote:

>So, if I have my "system restore" CDs for that PC from Dell which came with
>it, then the "RECOVERY" partition is redundant? (i.e. - duplicate function,
>not necessar, can be deleted with no loss to me?)

If you have the discs, you don't need the partition. Delete it at
your convenience.


>"Paul Montgomery" wrote:
>
>> On Sat, 11 Oct 2008 21:20:00 -0700, Jim In Minneapolis
>> <JimInMinneapolis@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote:
>>
>> >I just noticed that my desktop (Dell Inspiron) DOES have a separate hard
>> >drive partition labeled "RECOVERY (D)" -- about 10 MB in size.
>> >
>> >What's that all about? Do I need it?
>>
>> You might if Windows ever gets trashed so badly that you can't fix it
>> any other way. Dell put that there rather than give you a recovery
>> DVD (look at the discs that came with the machine to make sure). When
>> you start your machine, you see prompts at the bottom (maybe the top)
>> of your screen telling you the options you have - using the "F" keys.
>>
>> There SHOULD be a way for you to create a recovery DVD - from within
>> Windows - using the material in that partition. LOOK FOR IT and DO
>> that.
>>
>> >ALSO . . . I noticed that my laptop (Dell Dimension) does NOT have any
>> >"RECOVERY (D)" partition . . . only an "OC (C)" partition.
>> >
>> >Is that bad not to have a "Recovery" partition?
>>
>> NO.. it means that you GOT the recovery media on a disc. Check your
>> discs to make sure. Note: the disc for that machine will NOT work
>> with the other one.
>>
>> >If it is, then would some kind soul please tell me how to add it?
>>
>> Only the manufacturer can do that. YOU can make a DVD from it.
>> Again... look for the instructions on how to do that before it's too
>> late.
>>
 
Re: Do I need a "Recovery (D)" Partition?


Jim In Minneapolis;858683 Wrote:
> Ok. Thanks for the advice.
>
> "mansrm81" wrote:
> > > >
> > >
> > > Its the same as the discs you have so you can delete it and you will
> > > gain the extra space on you hard drive.
> > >
> > >
> > > --
> > > mansrm81
> > >
> > > If you think I helped you fix your problem give me some rep :D. Click
> > on
> > > the scales. [image:
> > >
> > 'http://www.vistax64.com/members/mansrm81-albums-asdf-picture192-untitled.jpg]'
> > (http://www.vistax64.com/members/mansrm81-albums-asdf-picture192-untitled.jpg])
> > > > >

Hi all,

would just like to add a word of caution :), Dell have recently been
providing Full vista install disks in addition To the recovery
partition, on some systems, so the disks and recovery partition -may- be
different, may be worth checking Dell documentation before anything is
deleted.


--
barman58

Regards,
*Nigel*
the beginning of knowledge is the discovery of something we do not
understand.,- frank herbert
 
Re: Do I need a "Recovery (D)" Partition?

Jim In Minneapolis wrote:
> Thanks for your suggestions . . . .
>
> What if I already have the 'system restore" CDs that came from Dell
> with the PC (operating system, etc.) -- can I delete the "Partition
> D" without any loss? Does it just do the same thing as those discs?
====================================
I suspect the system restore CDs and the recovery
recovery partition are the same but would check
with Dell to be sure.

--

John Inzer MS-MVP
Digital Media Experience

Notice
This is not tech support
I am a volunteer

Solutions that work for
me may not work for you

Proceed at your own risk
 
Re: Do I need a "Recovery (D)" Partition?

You all are full of it.
On every Dell computer I have, and have worked on, the D partition has only diagnostic and support software. The restore software in on the separate Disks that were provided or that you could buy. (Dell did try the Restoration Software on the D drive for a few models, but stopped that some time ago) Some of the D partition software can be found on the "Drivers" CD, but I recommend that you leave the D drive alone. It is small, hidden and out of the way. If you have to put in a new HD, you can format it as a single partition and then rely on your "Drivers" CD for the support software.


"barman58" <guest@unknown-email.com> wrote in message news:ba358ee63606e3a71149fc325c8c9c6b@nntp-gateway.com...
>
> Jim In Minneapolis;858683 Wrote:
>> Ok. Thanks for the advice.
>>
>> "mansrm81" wrote:
>> > > >
>> > >
>> > > Its the same as the discs you have so you can delete it and you will
>> > > gain the extra space on you hard drive.
>> > >
>> > >
>> > > --
>> > > mansrm81
>> > >
>> > > If you think I helped you fix your problem give me some rep :D. Click
>> > on
>> > > the scales. [image:
>> > >
>> > 'http://www.vistax64.com/members/mansrm81-albums-asdf-picture192-untitled..jpg]'
>> > (http://www.vistax64.com/members/mansrm81-albums-asdf-picture192-untitled..jpg])
>> > > > >
>
> Hi all,
>
> would just like to add a word of caution :), Dell have recently been
> providing Full vista install disks in addition To the recovery
> partition, on some systems, so the disks and recovery partition -may- be
> different, may be worth checking Dell documentation before anything is
> deleted.
>
>
> --
> barman58
>
> Regards,
> *Nigel*
> the beginning of knowledge is the discovery of something we do not
> understand.,- frank herbert
 
Re: Do I need a "Recovery (D)" Partition?

"Richard in AZ" <me@mailinator.com> wrote in message news:eGV$$iHLJHA.5164@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...
You all are full of it.
On every Dell computer I have, and have worked on, the D partition has only diagnostic and support software. The restore software in on the separate Disks that were provided or that you could buy. (Dell did try the Restoration Software on the D drive for a few models, but stopped that some time ago) Some of the D partition software can be found on the "Drivers" CD, but I recommend that you leave the D drive alone. It is small, hidden and out of the way. If you have to put in a new HD, you can format it as a single partition and then rely on your "Drivers" CD for the support software.


"barman58" <guest@unknown-email.com> wrote in message news:ba358ee63606e3a71149fc325c8c9c6b@nntp-gateway.com...

>
> Jim In Minneapolis;858683 Wrote:

>> Ok. Thanks for the advice.
>>
>> "mansrm81" wrote:

>> > > >
>> > >
>> > > Its the same as the discs you have so you can delete it and you will
>> > > gain the extra space on you hard drive.
>> > >
>> > >
>> > > --
>> > > mansrm81
>> > >
>> > > If you think I helped you fix your problem give me some rep :D. Click
>> > on
>> > > the scales. [image:
>> > >
>> > 'http://www.vistax64.com/members/mansrm81-albums-asdf-picture192-untitled.jpg]'
>> > (http://www.vistax64.com/members/mansrm81-albums-asdf-picture192-untitled.jpg])
>> > > > >

>
> Hi all,
>
> would just like to add a word of caution :), Dell have recently been
> providing Full vista install disks in addition To the recovery
> partition, on some systems, so the disks and recovery partition -may- be
> different, may be worth checking Dell documentation before anything is
> deleted.
>
>
> --
> barman58
>
> Regards,
> *Nigel*
> the beginning of knowledge is the discovery of something we do not
> understand.,- frank herbert




Richard in AZ.....
Both of our nearly new Dell desktops (531 and a 531S) have the D partition and it IS, according to the Dell support website, a full 'Vista recovery' partition.

Here is a link from the Dell support site how to use that D partition to 'recover' your Dell system. Briefly, one boots to safe mode (F8) and selects Advanced Boot Options. Use of the recovery partition is available from within there.

http://tinyurl.com/4bm8ow



-ps Richard in AZ...try to be nicer to people - OK?
BTW I lived in Prescott for many (13) years..I miss the scenery

--

Little Charlie
http://www.soundclick.com/bands/page_music.cfm?bandID=861653
"Destroy your EGO and your ART will flourish"
 
Back
Top