How to create custom recovery partition

[DSP8000]

Hi guys,

Recently I did couple of BartPE CD's for system recovery, virus removal, data recovery...

I'm just wondering if there's any info on how to create custom hidden recovery partition, similar to the ones that HP, DELL, Compaq are using.

I find it very useful for quick and easy setup & recovery.

The goal is to create custom install with XP SP2 including drivers for Graphic Card, LAN, Sound Card ... then by pressing F11(or any assigned button) during boot to start automated system recovery.

Any info is greatly appreciated :)

DSP8000

[Blue_MiSfit]

Interesting concept, but sadly I'm not sure how to execute it... :)

You might want to check out RyanVM. He makes some AWESOME software to slipstream all the latest Windows Updates into an install CD. I think you can also add drivers, and unattended setup (CD Key, drive partitioning etc) and then burn your own custom up to date CD.

I wouldn't personally do what you intend, just because I don't like losing the hard drive space :D

~MiSfit

[foxyshadis]

This is microsoft's official take (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/875418) on the subject, which requires a tool that probably not easy to get.

The partition's also known as EISA an extremely old DOS-era format, they probably share the same flag. It might just be a matter of setting the partition type flag on a standard partition to the OEM partition type. Apparently it's supposed to be a dynamic disk, if it's basic it can be reformatted and reassigned through disk management, probably contrary to the spirit. Beyond that, you might have to go googlin'.

[insomniak1981]

Hi, not sure if this is exactly what you want but I used to use paragon's drive backup to do something similar. It makes a complete image of your hard drive and saves it onto a secure partition of your hard drive and recovery being done during the boot process by pressing F11. It's commercial software though I haven't come across any freeware that does the same job.

[DSP8000]

Tnx. for the info guys. I had a look at paragon, for some reason I don't think that's the "real" thing.
foxy, the link that you posted looks interesting, I'll do some more reading and googling. This project is pain to do it by hand, that is why I'm looking for somewhat automated way of doing it.

The concept is:

1.XP SP2 CD
2.Drivers
3.Applications
4.Batch install/configure apps
5.Slipstreaming all in one
6.Creation of Recovery Partition
7.Make it hidden/active

I'll probably get one of the new PC's at work, copy/clone the recovery partition offline/Live CD, then examine the structure ;).

There must be some sort of automated way of creating recovery partitions. Imagine if HP has to do it by hand for every single new model PC or notebook :eek:

[DSP8000]

Yup, I found it :) , this the way to do it.

Here it is Windows XP Preinstallation Kit Design Notes (http://72.14.253.104/search?q=cache:gEHXIgDYYI4J:oem.microsoft.com/static/worldwide/file/HD_Recovery_Solutions_for_SBs.doc+How+to+create+custom+recovery+partition&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=9&gl=au)