MultiBooting, EasyBCD and Recovery Partition..

Hi all.

So I'm thinking of installing XP alongside my default Vista installation and I've got a pretty good idea how to do that..just that there are some questions in my mind..

First, since I have two partitions (One ACER and one DATA) i wouldn't need to shrink my Vista drive, right? I just have to set-up a 'neutral' partition where I would put in files that I want to share between XP and Vista, right?

Second, would using EasyBCD and/or installing another OS and/or using Startup Repair (just in case) ruin my recovery partition or something? I remember in my old Lenovo laptop that when I used Startup Repair it somehow managed to screw my recovery partition and made it show up in My Computer..

Lastly, if ever I decide to use my restore disks, would it restore just the Vista partition or both of them?

 

Backup MBR (HDHacker)
Backup Recovery Partition (Paragon or Symantec)

MBR contains custom Acer info that is needed for ALT+F10 to work

Hidden Partition contains Acer Backup.

You may want to backup your Vista Activation too so you can install a fresh clean copy

 

Those programs will be all I need to restore the recovery partition and the MBR at the same time, would it be?

Can you give me a run-through on how to do those things step by step? Just the backing-up part, and how I should restore them i.e. should I restore after I install XP and reinstall the Vista bootloader, or something?

I found the multiboot guide from the Windows OS and software section, and I thought it was as straightforward as that.

Also, do I need to mess with the SATA modes in my BIOS? I remember reading something like that, and currently I have mine set in AHCI mode, and whenever I try to boot in IDE mode it gives me a BSOD. So, how to go about that?

PS I do have my activated Registration key for WinVista under my laptop, do I still need to back up the activation stuff?

 

OK. Last first...

A:
When I did a clean install of Vista from a Vista DVD I entered my Key (under laptop) and all went well...

...until the activation check once Vista was up and running. My key required me to phone (manually activate) M$.

Nothing dodgy. It's just that the key on the base of our preinstalled Vista's is just our unique number. The laptop preinstalled Vista probably has a VLK.

Anyway, backing up the Activation allows you to restore the activated state after installing Vista from a Vista DVD.

hxxp://directedge.us/content/abr-activation-backup-and-restore

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=120228

Will guide and advise you on backing up your Vista Factory Installed Activation.

A:
I have no idea

The BSOD is not good for boot up so if changing the BIOS to default will cure that then do so.

When changeing BIOS settings be sure to boot back to your OS and not to DVD just to check that the OS is cool with the change.

A:
The MBR backup is important as installing an OS will overwrite the custom info writen there by Acer. This info allows D2D eRecovery.

hxxp://dimio.altervista.org/

Navigate this web address to find HDHacker

You can restore the MBR after installin your OS from CD/DVD.

Now, multi boot systems require a Partition Table Editor.

PTEDIT32.EXE (runs in windows)

I'll get back later but work beckons...

 

Cool, thanks, will wait!

In the meantime, I'll try checking out the links you gave me, after all it won't be until I get home that I'm gonna try this.

 

I am watching this thread with great interest ...

But I like to point out , that every specific steps - actions , of backing up files .
Must be double tested , many software options they do the backup , but they do not restore as it was planed .

I never promote solutions , that was not totally tested on my laptop , as 100% working ones !!

Thats why I advice people, getting a second HDD , and experiment with it .
The cost its low , and you can go back , with out hassle .

The spare HDD , can serve with one external USB box , as alternative storage , if everything go well .

 

I do have an external enclosure, but no extra HDD. -_-'

Well, all I have right now is an extra partition, being D: on my computer without any data written on it, would that be all I need or something?

 

I would suggest , to explore the ACER related forum , for a week or more .

Many people ... the same needs ... everyone ends to use the very few specific ways , that they are exist .

Use the search button , and read as much you can .

If you end up having specific questions , we will help gladly.

 

get an external drive. acronis true image is good partition backup prog but not free. d: backup is not a backup. you always need external images of your partitions and copies of your personal stuff. just the same as 2nd internal discs are not backups. you need to think of turning on your computer (laptop or desktop) and the hard drive catches fire. d:drive backups are no use. as kiriakost says, experiment on spare small (and cheap) disc.

 

Hi again Notebook Geek, ready to get back on your roller-coaster

I'll start by saying that every step has the potential of destroying data. So the user posts above should be noted for their wisdom and advice.

I'll acknowlage that my method may leave out vital steps that I either forgot or was unaware of.

This method was used on an Acer Aspire 2930 LXART0X176. BIOS V1.17 runing from mains supply.

It had been returned to factory state using Acer eRecovery Management befor procedure had begun.

The MBR was original as purchaced and contained Acer's custom data to enable D2D with Alt + F10.

There are three partitions with two visible to Windows Vista Home Premium.

Partition (0) = sda1 = PQSERVICE = ID27 = hidden = inactive = 10GB = Acer eRecovery Restore Partition.
Partition (1) = sda2 = ACER = Visable = Active = C: = This boots Windows Vista Home Premium which can be restored using the backup image on Partition (0) above.
Partition (2) = sda3 = DATA = Visable = inactive = D: = Untouched by eRecovery Restore Process.

Windows Vista Home Premium is running smoothly and all internal devices are functional.

I will try to use free tools to complete the task.

STEPS:

1. Backup MBR
2. Backup MS Windows Vista Home Premium Activation.
3. Backup Partition (0) the eRecovery partition.
4. Deciding what to do with the hard drive partitions.
5. Installing an OS or Multiboot option.
6. Backup the new installation.
7. Restoring to Factory state.
8. Restoring to Custom Installation.

This is a time consuming task so I'll start with the first 3 steps.

1. Backup the MBR.

hxxp://dimio.altervista.org/

I use Dimio's HDHacker as it's easy to use and runs in Windows. It produces a DAT file. This file may be usable with DOS based MBR utilities but HDHacker require Windows and must be run from the local machine. You can not use it from one PC to fix another.

Extract all files to desktop and right click HDHacker(.exe) then select "Run as administrator"

Under "Drive to operate" select the "Physical Drive (MBR)" radio button
In the drop down box that now appears along side "Physical Drive (MBR)" I leave a 0 as it relates to sda1 my harddisk

Under "Select sector" I leave the default values of:
"First Sector (MBR)" radio button selected.
"Number of continuous sectors to read" = 1.

Under "Read commands" click "Read sector from Disk"

The "Sector Image (MBR HardDisk0)" will display the contence of this sector for you to view. You'll notice the word "Acer" a number and then "System". You can not edit this information it is only shown for information.

Under "Write commands" click "Save sector to File"

The default Save Name is "MBR_HardDisk0.dat". You should change the name in the dialogue ensuring the extension is ".dat" for easy assocation on restoring using HDHacker later. I chose "MBR_ACER2930.dat" and typed ".dat" too.

That's your backup of the MBR completed, save both HDHacker and your MBR dat file on an external device.

2. Backup MS Windows Vista Home Premium Activation.

Both HDHacker and the utility ABR, which is used to backup activation, can be run from a USB Pen Drive.

There is a guide localy here that shows how to use ABR.

The Home Page is hxxp://directedge.us/content/abr-activation-backup-and-restore.

3. Backup Partition (0) the eRecovery partition.

hxxp://ping.windowsdream.com/

PING

PING (Partimage Is Not Ghost) -- Backup and Restore Disk Partitions

I used PING Stand-alone ISO without addons. For laptop users having difficulty with the backslash "\" symbol when using PING:
1. Enable Numbers Lock (Fn + NumLk). You can not use the numbers along the top of the keyboard to input ALT Codes.
2. Press and hold Alt key and type whilst holding down the Alt key numbers 9 and 2 that are embosed in the same colour as Fn. (9K)
3. Where the cursor was should appear "\" (If the screen changes reboot (ctrl + alt + del) and start again typing correctly)
Google "alt codes" for more info.

Create a folder on D: called PING and reboot. This folder is case sensitive. Ping is not pIng is not PING. PING is PING.
Boot PING CD (Press F12 for boot menu and select CD/DVD)
Navigate with keyboard.
Follow on screen prompts:
Press Enter
OK (Enter)
Arrow down to select "Reboot the system" OK (Enter)
Arrow down to select "Local disk/partition OK (Enter)
Arrow down to highlight"[ ] sda1 (27) (BOOT,D2D,EFI,FACTORY,Program Files,...)"
Space Bar to select "[*] sda1 (27) (BOOT,D2D,EFI,FACTORY,Program Files,...)"
OK (Enter)
Arrow down to select "sda3 (HPFS/NTFS) (Lable: DATA)" OK (Enter)

This part require you to type the backslash "\" the keyboard code page may be set to display "<" when the backslash is typed.
Try the "#" key.
[Alternativly use Alt + 92 using the number pad keys (Alt +9k)]

Type "#PING" (case sensitive) so the dialogue box look like:

\PING

OK (Enter)

"Create_New_Image" is already highlighted so press enter (OK)

Type a name:

AcerAspire2930_D2D

OK (Enter)

We will not be making an incremental backup. "No" is highlighted and we can press Enter to continue (OK)

Leave the default "gzip" compression and press enter (OK)

Partimage OK (Enter)

We'll take the default action "No" and not reduce the fiesystem. OK (Enter)

We must now wait for our backup to complete...

The PC should reboot and start Vista. You can check the backup on D.

######

I am testing this method whilst writing so it's time to pause now and continue later. Feel free to add or comment as you wish...

...later

 

Thanks for the effort you're putting into this.

I was trying my own (risk it all) method to do this and there's some difficulties I keep coming at. Here's what I do:

1. I backed up the MBR with the Acer thing, saved as default filename.
2. I used Disk Management in Vista (right-clicking My Computer>>Manage) and created another extra partition from my D: drive, so I had three (C: Acer, D: DATA, G: XP)
3. I restarted the computer, and switched (via the BIOS) the SATA mode from AHCI to IDE, since XP installation would BSOD when I leave it at AHCI.
3. I installed Windows XP Pro in the XP partition, waited about 40 minutes and then logged on as Administrator.
Here's when I think I don't get right:
4. I installed .NET Framework 2.0 and EasyBCD.
5. I open EasyBCD, and added Windows XP and switch the drive to G:, since that's where I installed XP
6. I opened HDHacker and wrote my backed-up MBR to disk.


When I restarted the notebook, it gave me a BOOTMGR IS MISSING, blah blah. So I pressed enter, but it brought me to a boot menu with TWO entries named Windows XP Professional. I chose one, and then logged on again, and tinkered once again with EasyBCD. I remember choosing the option to reinstall the Vista bootloader. I restarted, then when I got to the boot screen I was given both Vista and XP, but when I chose XP it said something about /NTLDR missing, and I have to use a Windows disk to repair it. I just snapped and reformatted the XP partition altogether, since I got to this about thrice already! I just don't know what I am doing wrong. Haha. What should I do first, add XP to the MBR entry or restore the MBR backed up by HDHacker?

EDIT: Also, it still bugs me that the AHCI thing and the IDE thing have to be switched when booting Vista and XP, respectively. I can't seem to install the AHCI drivers when I was in the XP environment, says I do not meet the minimum requirements.

 

Oh yeh! BSOD with XP and AHCI enabled in BIOS.

I bet that's so Vista stays put on our laptop and we don't downgrade to the better XP :lol:

Found this:

hxxp://www.msfn.org/board/index.php?showtopic=107504

Slipstream AHCI drives into XP install CD

On the installation partition issue, I don't install an OS to anyother partiton other than C.

The MBR tell's the system which partition to boot:

0,1,2,3

Then the partition that boots desides how to boot.

When you installed XP

The MBR said goto Partition 1

and then XP said once there goto Partition 3 (G)

C is boot D is DATA E is DVD and G is the new primary, system partition.

Restoring the MBR probably was ok as the boot drive is still 1

Adding G to EasyBCD (don't know it) was probably the problem as G isn't bootable, it's just the system drive for XP.
[EDIT]EasyBCD seems to write to the MBR to this would kill Alt+F10[/EDIT]

The option to boot the OS (XP) on G drive is located on C drive in the BOOT.INI file.

So EasyBCD should just point to C.

I like to install Windows OS's to an Active Primary Partition, C.

I'll hide all other primary partitions which will allow an installation Windows CD to boot without asking to "Press any key to boot from CD". It asks this if it notices an OS installed and probably helps with unattended installs with the CD/DVD as first boot device.

 

So this means that upon installation I should just point Windows XP to C: in EasyBCD? Also, would restoring the MBR with the Acer Alt+F10 before putting in the entries be a good idea? or is that the right one?

Wow, this is turning out to be some hassle, more than I though it would be. haha. And here I was just thinking of installing a new OS just so I could try if my failure in overclocking just can't work with preinstalled Vista--now I'm just thinking of installing Windows 7 RC, perhaps that would not be much of a hassle.


...of course not before I conquer this stuff though! Hahahaha.

 

I don't know what EasyBCD does and to what. If it loads to the MBR then you can have it take control of all the partitions on the harddisk including PQSERVICE. There would be no need, I think, for the Alt + F10 BIOS setting or D2D enabled in the BIOS as EasyBCD could control booting from PQSERVICE. The partition ID may need to be changed to 07.

For now lets just install one OS using the second partition.

We have a backup of the Acer MBR and we have the PQSERVICE partition intact.

We can leave the third partition alone and simply install to the active windows partition.

The intergration of the Textmode iaStor AHCI driver has allowed be to start XP installation without BSOD.

I'm now at the partition list for my laptop:

238474 MB Disk 0 at Id 0 on bus 0 on iaStor [MBR]
F: Partition1 (PQSERVICE) [NTFS] 10245 MB (1602 MB free) *just a note to myself
C: Partition2 (ACER) [NTFS] 114116 MB (94699 MB free) Highlight this and delete
D: Partition3 (DATA) [NTFS] 114113 MB (69836 MB free) I have loads of stuff on here

I don't want to setup Windows XP on C:, D:, or F: as that'll be dual boot. I want Windows XP on C: so I'll delete it!!!

Press D then Enter then L to confirm.

Now I have Unpartitioned space which I'll select (down arrow) and confirm I want to install XP here by pressing Enter.

(I could reboot now, press F12 to boot from CD and see if the boot CD ask me to press a key to boot from CD - It won't as Vista has sortof gone!)

Format using NTFS and continue with the install.

You didn't here this from me but you could use PTEDIT32.EXE and change the boot ID's of the partitions you have...

...you said you now have four partitions.

1 = ID27 = PQSERVICE = Boot Status 00
2 = ID07 = ACER WIndows Vista = Boot Status 80 (bootable and 80 makes it C: too.)
3 = ID07 = DATA = Boot Status 00
4 = ID07 = Your Label = Boot Status 00

Using PTEDIT32.EXE in Vista change:

2 boot status from 80 to 00

and

4 boot status from 00 to 80

I don't want to leave you hanging as PTEDIT32.EXE is windows based and rebooting will leave your PC without a bootable OS.

XP won't install without the needed Textmode driver being intergrated so untill that is done XP will fail to install (BIOS = IDE to OK).

But you now have a partition you can install a Windows OS to. Run PTEDIT32.EXE when installed and change ID and boot status to boot back to Vista...

Still installing XP

 

Wait, wait, so you're installing XP and then Vista? Or not? Heheh. I was attempting to install XP hopefully without bothering my Vista installation, or would that be more complicated?

 

Lost everything late last night :lol:

[EDIT]
OK, you can still read this post but I found the problem . I wrote the boot record of Partition C: to the MBR of the hard disk. This is why I got "Disk IO error". I had a look at the BIN/DAT file I wrote to disk (MBR) last night and it's of C doh! So nothing to do with bashing the laptop and all to do with user error - ME. I'm glad about that too

So read on and have a giggle...
[/EDIT]

Disk IO error and nothing but corrupt partitions!!!

My last action was within XP (running AHCI). I wrote a MBR which I could have sworn came off my laptop at some stage but didn't have the Acer string.

Anyway, rebooting left me with nothing!

After much tinkering with:

(Booting from external device such as USB/CD)

System Commander Utilities (££ Cost)
Paragon Drive Utilities (££ Cost)
PartLogic (Free)

The hard drive came back to life. Then using Paragon's Partition Recovery Wiz I managed to get back PQSERVICE but that's it.

D: is lost to me.

I have backup's of all though so the data was not a worry, the Disk IO error was.

I don't know really why I had that!

Was it the disk saying "Stop messing with my IDE AHCI settings then rebooting and messing with my MBR which could have been from IDE or AHCI and refferred to a partition config that looked nothing like the actual partition table (PT)"

Or was it just simply my last action - HDHacker and the mystery MBR...

Bottom line is an IO error could cost money. Replacement disk or even damage to the mainboard - a lost PC - Warrenty, well, I kinda do these things at my own risk. I am hammering this laptop. The method of backing up the PQSERVICE, MBR should be fine. Paragon, although commercial, does the job!

I have played with PC's for years and have forgotten the headaches and cost of lost data.

I should remind myself!!!!

So, only try this if you're happy to loose it all or wait for the task to be complete and a Workable Method Found

That statement is for those who are reading and thinking, "I'll have a go." Have a go but know the risks.

For those reading with Disk IO error. Sorry (I'll help if you need me )

Back to XP or Vista first? It only matters for dual boot. That's one OS booting the other. I don't do that. I think dual boot means either C:\windows and C:\winxp on the same partition or C:\windows and D:\windows with C the main boot partition.

I'm not sure if XP should be installed then Vista for dual boot or the other way around

How I install multi OS's is one per primary partition with the installed OS hidden and a clean partition active ready to install the new OS to. It doesn't matter which order then. I also use System Commander to choose OS at boot time. I would also partition the drive with System Commander or other boot from CD utility but not Windows!

Primary - windows
Primary - windows
Primary - windows
Extended - (Linux boot)
- Linux
- Linux Swap
- NTFS

I would manually hide all other primarys and set active the partition I want to install the WIndows OS to. Linux is a little less fussy.

 

Wow, sorry for that IO error man, that got me scared with what I was planning to do this night for my notebook.

How do you "hide" your partition? So I made my XP installer retrofitted with my AHCI drivers (mine's ICH9M, 'coz that's what shows up in Vista's Device Manager) and I'm attempting (or thinking of attempting) to have another go at that.

Anyway, the Dualbooting guide I mainly wanted to follow when I thought of multibooting was the one found here. There's a link that shows how to install XP in a system with Vista installed first.. So would that process be to the demise of our PQSERVICE partition? I was thinking that, since that guide seems to be a general install-another-OS-and-just-that kind of guide, maybe we could make (if there isn't already, my searching skills failed me here) make a guide specifically for Acer systems with the recovery partitions and the Alt+F10 functions still intact..

 

Ok, just done a dual boot.

Factory Vista and the PQSERVICE were both working fine. As you know I had lost D: but that left me with available free space.

Booted from CD to install XP within that free space (had to format but was part of the XP install).

Once XP had installed I enabled the Vista Loader with EasyBCD which also wrote to the MBR. I think XP was already an option or became an option on reboot but if not EasyBCD could add it later (Would probably need to install it to Vista too).

Now Vista boot loader would manage booting to both it or XP.

Since Vista was still located in the same partition as factory default, loading the factory MBR using the correct backup enabled Alt+F10 and had no effect on Vista still booting it's self or XP. The Factory restore was enabled now.

Using factory install would wipe Vista but leave XP, although XP would not beable to boot. Installing EasyBCD should fix this but I have not tried that.

Dual-Boot and having a MBR backup is a nice easy way to run two OS.



[EDIT]

Multiboot info from a master
hxxp://www.goodells.net/multiboot/

Free Tool - Haven't tried it yet
hxxp://www.partition-tool.com/personal.htm

 

I also did a dual boot! Woot!

Anyway, the difference though lies in that you can use the Alt+F10 but I can't. What I did was this:

1. Created a XP install disk with AHCI using nLite. (cool!)
2. Partitioned my D: and put extra (XP drivers, etc) install files in G: (new partition), left D: alone, where I would install XP.
3. Burnt and ran XP disk, install went fine, booted into XP
4. Installed .NET Framework 2.0 (for EasyBCD), installed EasyBCD, added the XP entry in D:, restored the Vista bootloader.
5. Restarted the laptop, saw the much-anticipated Vista bootloader showing both Vista and XP!!
6. Booted XP, expecting there would be another hardware something error, but it pushed through!
7. Restarted and tried Alt+F10, no response. -_-'

I tried restoring the MBR using HDHacker, and then editing it using EasyBCD to put in the entries, but it would not let me boot XP.. Aw man, such a bummer.

How did you enable the ALt+F10, then?

 

Alt+F10 + 3 Partitions = Acer MBR

I think a hex editor and or PTEdit will be needed to enable Alt + F10 with a modified MBR

Been trying to get a Boot CD with free utilities, burnt some coffee mats but finally....

FATxx and NTFS only!

Haven't fully tested the software yet but I've added a free Partition Manager and DriveImage backup tool to BartPE Bootable CD.

It may help backup and partition the Acer. More later:

FOR XP PRO SP2 to SP3 Then To BartPE with EASEUS Partition Master 3.5 Home Edition & DriveImage XML

1. Copy entire XP Pro SP2 to folder on your hard drive.

eg: C:\Documents and Settings\User\Desktop\WINDOWS XP AHCI\WINXPSP2

2. Download Windows Installer 3.1 Redistributable (v2)
hxxp://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=889482fc-5f56-4a38-b838-de776fd4138c&displaylang=en

3. Slipstream Windows Installer 3.1 Redistributable (v2) into WINXPSP2
For HELP type: "[PATH TO DOWNLOAD]\WindowsInstaller-KB893803-v2-x86.exe" /? include quotes then add /?
WindowsInstaller-KB893803-v2-x86.exe /integrate:"C:\Documents and Settings\User\Desktop\WINDOWS XP AHCI\WINXPSP2"

4. Download Windows XP Service Pack 3 Network Installation Package for IT Professionals and Developers
hxxp://www.microsoft.com/downloadS/details.aspx?familyid=5B33B5A8-5E76-401F-BE08-1E1555D4F3D4&displaylang=en

5. Slipstream Windows XP Service Pack 3...
windowsxp-kb936929-sp3-x86-enu.exe /integrate:"C:\Documents and Settings\User\Desktop\WINDOWS XP AHCI\WINXPSP2"

6. Download and install nLite hxxp://www.nliteos.com/download.html

7. Start nLite and add "C:\Documents and Settings\Use\Desktop\WINDOWS XP AHCI\WINXPSP2" as location of Windows installation.

8. Ignor presets (next) and Task Selection select Integrate > Drivers and Create > Bootable ISO (You can choose more options)

9. Insert Textmode Driver (For Acer Aspire 2930 use f6flpy3288.zip "Intel(R) ICH9M-E/M SATA AHCI Controller")
hxxp://downloadcenter.intel.com/Detail_Desc.aspx?ProductID=2101&DwnldID=17413&lang=eng

10. Complete the process and go on to create ISO (Mode = Create Image). Label can be ACER. Click "Make ISO".

That's the Installable CD of XP done with AHCI Textmode driver.

The Windows Installation files located "C:\Documents and Settings\User\Desktop\WINDOWS XP AHCI\WINXPSP2" have been updated.

11. Download:

PE Builder hxxp://www.nu2.nu/pebuilder/#download
EASEUS Partition Master 3.5 Home Edition hxxp://www.partition-tool.com/personal.htm
DriveImage XML PE Plugin hxxp://www.runtime.org/peb.htm

12. Install:

PE Builder and EASEUS Partition Master 3.5 Home Edition

EASEUS Partition Master 3.5 Home Edition and DriveImage XML will both be included in Bart's PE Builders Plugin directory. Adding
driveimage_xml.cab can be done from within PE Builder. EASEUS Partition Master 3.5 Home Edition will be done manually and that is why
it needed to be installed.

13. Create a folder "EASEUS Partition Master 3.5 Home Edition" within the plugin directory.

C:\pebuilder3110a\plugin\EASEUS Partition Master 3.5 Home Edition

14. Create two new folders within "EASEUS Partition Master 3.5 Home Edition" called "Files" and "System32"

C:\pebuilder3110a\plugin\EASEUS Partition Master 3.5 Home Edition\Files
C:\pebuilder3110a\plugin\EASEUS Partition Master 3.5 Home Edition\System32

15. Copy: (paste each into run box)
xcopy C:\WINDOWS\system32\BootMan.exe "C:\pebuilder3110a\plugin\EASEUS Partition Master 3.5 Home Edition\System32\"
xcopy C:\WINDOWS\system32\epmntdrv.sys "C:\pebuilder3110a\plugin\EASEUS Partition Master 3.5 Home Edition\System32\"
xcopy C:\WINDOWS\system32\EuEpmGdi.dll "C:\pebuilder3110a\plugin\EASEUS Partition Master 3.5 Home Edition\System32\"
xcopy C:\WINDOWS\system32\EuGdiDrv.sys "C:\pebuilder3110a\plugin\EASEUS Partition Master 3.5 Home Edition\System32\"
xcopy C:\WINDOWS\system32\setupempdrv03.exe "C:\pebuilder3110a\plugin\EASEUS Partition Master 3.5 Home Edition\System32\"

16. Open "C:\Program Files\EASEUS\EASEUS Partition Master 3.5 Home Edition"
and copy all folders and content except unins000.exe and unins000.dat to
"C:\pebuilder3110a\plugin\EASEUS Partition Master 3.5 Home Edition\Files"

17. Create a file called "epm.inf" in "C:\pebuilder3110a\plugin\EASEUS Partition Master 3.5 Home Edition"
hxxp://www.911cd.net/forums//index.php?showtopic=22809

add

Code:

; PE Builder v3 plugin INF file
; EASEUS Partition Master 3.5 Home Edition
; http://www.partition-tool.com/personal.htm

; ==================================================================
; !!! NOTE for Windows Vista users !!!
; ==================================================================
; Extract the Windows XP drivers epmntdrv,2.sys and EuGdiDrv,1.sys from EPMSetup.exe using Universal Extractor
; Get Universal Extractor from http://legroom.net/software/uniextract
; After extraction rename the files epmntdrv,2.sys and EuGdiDrv,1.sys to epmntdrv.sys and EuGdiDrv.sys
; ==================================================================

[Version]
Signature= "$Windows NT$"

[PEBuilder]
Name="EASEUS Partition Master 3.5 Home Edition"
Enable=1

[WinntDirectories]
a="programs\Epm",2

[SourceDisksFolders]
; Include all files and folders from the "c:\Program Files\EASEUS\EASEUS Partition Master 3.5 Home Edition" folder
; Except the files unins000.dat and unins000.exe
Files=a

[SourceDisksFiles]
; Include the files from your %WinDir%\system32 folder
system32\BootMan.exe=2,,3
system32\epmntdrv.sys=2,,3
system32\EuEpmGdi.dll=2,,3
system32\EuGdiDrv.sys=2,,3
system32\setupempdrv03.exe=2,,3

[SetupReg.AddReg]
0x4,"ControlSet001\Services\epmntdrv","Type",0x00000001
0x4,"ControlSet001\Services\epmntdrv","Start",0x00000003
0x4,"ControlSet001\Services\epmntdrv","ErrorControl",0x00000001
0x1,"ControlSet001\Services\epmntdrv","DisplayName","epmntdrv"
0x1,"ControlSet001\Services\epmntdrv","ImagePath","system32\epmntdrv.sys"
0x4,"ControlSet001\Services\EuGdiDrv","Type",0x00000001
0x4,"ControlSet001\Services\EuGdiDrv","Start",0x00000003
0x4,"ControlSet001\Services\EuGdiDrv","ErrorControl",0x00000001
0x1,"ControlSet001\Services\EuGdiDrv","DisplayName","EuGdiDrv"
0x1,"ControlSet001\Services\EuGdiDrv","ImagePath","system32\EuGdiDrv.sys"

[Software.AddReg]
; Add to XPE Start Menu
0x2, "Sherpya\XPEinit\Programs","Disk Tools\Partition Tools\Easeus Partition Master 3.5","%SystemDrive%\programs\Epm\epm0.exe"

[Append]
nu2menu.xml, Epm_nu2menu.xml

18. Create a file called "epm_nu2menu.xml" in the same place "C:\pebuilder3110a\plugin\EASEUS Partition Master 3.5 Home Edition"
hxxp://www.911cd.net/forums//index.php?showtopic=22809 use code from 911cd.net

add (fixed < > )

Code:

[i]<[/i]!-- Nu2Menu entry for "EASEUS Partition Master 3.5" -->
[i]<[/i]NU2MENU>
  [i]<[/i]MENU id='Programs'>
    [i]<[/i]MITEM TYPE="POPUP" DISABLED="0" MENUid='EASEUS'<EASEUS Partition Master>/MITEM>
  [i]<[/i]/MENU>
  [i]<[/i]MENU id='EASEUS'>
    [i]<[/i]MITEM TYPE="ITEM" DISABLED="@Not(@FileExists(@GetProgramDrive()\Programs\Epm\bin\Epm0.exe))" CMD="RUN" FUNC="@Null(@ChangeDir(@GetProgramDrive()\Programs\Epm\bin))epm0.exe">Easeus Partition Master 3.5[i]<[/i]/MITEM>
  [i]<[/i]/MENU>
[i]<[/i]/NU2MENU>

The EASEUS Partition Master 3.5 Plugin is now ready so start PE Builder.

19. PE Builder Source path to Windows installation files: "C:\Documents and Settings\User\Desktop\WINDOWS XP AHCI\WINXPSP2\"
Custom files and Output (BartPE) can be left at default.

20. Media output > Create ISO image and choose a name. (Menu > Builder > Options > Volume ID = change to ACER)

21. Click Plugins to see EASEUS Partition Master 3.5 Plugin in the list and Enabled.

22. Click Add and find "driveimage_xml.cab" > Open > OK. DriveImage XML will now also be Enabled and in the list. Close the plugin Window.

Sorry - haven't included how to add AHCI Drivers to BartPE
hxxp://www.nu2.nu/pebuilder/help/english/drivers.htm
NOTE: unzip Text mode drivers to:
C:\pebuilder3110a\drivers\SCSIAdapter\XP_AHCI\f6flpy3288
and edit TXTSETUP.OEM to only referrance the driver needed ("Intel(R) ICH9M-E/M SATA AHCI Controller") and all required pointers.

Code:

; Copyright (c) 2003-09 Intel Corporation
;#############################################################################
;#
;#    Filename:  TXTSETUP.OEM
;#
;#############################################################################
[Disks]
disk1 = "Intel Matrix Storage Manager driver", iaStor.sys, \
[Defaults]
scsi = iaStor_ICH8MEICH9ME
;#############################################################################
[scsi]
; iaAHCI.inf
iaAHCI_ICH9MEM            = "Intel(R) ICH9M-E/M SATA AHCI Controller"
; iaStor.inf
;#############################################################################
; iaAHCI.inf
[Files.scsi.iaAHCI_ICH9MEM]
driver = disk1, iaStor.sys, iaStor
inf = disk1, iaAHCI.inf
catalog = disk1, iaAHCI.cat
; iaStor.inf
;#############################################################################
[Config.iaStor]
value = "", tag, REG_DWORD, 1b
value = "", ErrorControl, REG_DWORD, 1
value = "", Group, REG_SZ, "SCSI Miniport"
value = "", Start, REG_DWORD, 0
value = "", Type, REG_DWORD, 1
;#############################################################################
; iaAHCI.inf
[HardwareIds.scsi.iaAHCI_ICH9MEM]
id = "PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_2929&CC_0106","iaStor"
; iaStor.inf

PE Builder will add them automatically to the ISO in the next step
Silly me

23. Click Build to create your ISO (The BartPE directory does not exist so click "Yes"

There should be no Errors and the only Warnings may be ISO-9660 file name length - probably TXT files too long.
It's OK to close and Exit PE Builder.

24. Burn ISO (settings in burner should allow booting of CD - DAO Finalized)

 

Whoa, wait, the long directions was for making a bootable XP CD with utilities? Whoa. Hardcore man. Hahaha. I think I'd have to wait until summer classes end to try this one (one more week). Hehe

Anyway, my XP disk already is an SP3, so could I just skip to the process after integrating SP3 on the disk? it feels like I'm under-replying (there such a term? XD) with your posts, since your posts seem to be super-detailed and all, but yeah, sorry, and great thing you're doing there..hoping I'd be able to make the same sometime after the weekends

+rep for you man.

 

Hi there, the instructions included an install CD for XP with SP3 for the Acer with AHCI drivers, just for fun, I think you've made one already

Then they went on to show how to get a PE boot CD with a partition tool and a backup tool. So two CD's. Yes you can skip the first part

Been having a play with DriveImage XML for backup. It's free but limited.

It can only see visible partitions of FATxx and NTFS. So we can use it to backup C: and D: (the default drive layout). Although our PQSERVICE partition is NTFS and Visible it has a partition ID of 27. DriveImage XML can not back this partition up unless ....

....we change the partition ID to 07 using PTEDIT32.EXE.

Method:
1. Create a new folder on D: called "DriveImageXLM" and a sub folder "PQSERVICE"
2. Run PTEDIT32 and change partition 1 ID from 27 to 07
3. Reboot to BartPE with DriveImage XLM
Start DriveImage XLM, follow the on screen prompts to select Partition 1 (Possibly E PQSERVICE and locate the folder created earlier "D:\DriveImageXLM\PQSERVICE" as the location for the backup.

I should have put PTEDIT32.EXE on the BartPE CD as I could change the ID back to 27 once finished and reboot to Vista again.

DriveImage XLM also has an installer so you can mount the backup in Vista and extract files such as the "ACERBOOT.ISO" which you've used. Also SOURCES\BOOT.WIM which contains MBRWRWIN.EXE and RTMBR.BIN among other to restore the Acer MBR.

[EDIT] you could actually just install DriveImage XLM in Vista change ID reboot back to Vista and backup PQSERVICE from Vista. Change ID back to 27 and reboot again and Vista will ignor that partition. [/EDIT]

Enjoy

[UPDATE]
EASEUS Partition Master 3.5 Home Edition is haveing trouble partitioning Acer Drive from BartPE CD.

 

Great, great, thanks!

Anyway, if I wanted to make a fresh Vista installation (not from the recovery disk) I should back up PQSERVICE and then restore it afterwards? Hehe. Tell me if this is too tasking of you to answer,

 

Just watching bubbles floating around the desktop - it's so peaseful

I'm giving up on the PQSERVICE partition for a bit and also the Free EASEUS Partition Master 3.5 Home Edition and come to think of it DriveImage XML. They're cr...

I've been used to using System Commander, PowerQuest Drive Image and Paragon tools to manage the hard disk tasks - They cost but do the job without fuss.

The PQSERVICE partition is an Aladin's Cave of challanges that I would eventually like to understand but for now is only a restore of Vista with bloatware.

Keeping the function of PQSERVICE using the default Acer MBR will require the fresh install of Vista in (format) the same partition as the factory Vista.

I think once you have backed up to network or DVD's the PQSERVICE partition and the MBR you'll probably never use it again!!!!

I know I never want to go through the factory D2D restore process again untill I've had a holiday

Backing up PQSERVICE partition doen't mean there is any need to move or delete it. It's only 10GB and invisible most of the time. You lose one primary partition but that's not much. You can still have two separate OS installs and a DATA drive (Vista and XP). Remember if you want to try Win7 then you could install over (format) XP as the idea is to have fresh installs with all drivers and maybe some utilities then do a backup of a working OS you have created with your choices. The restore process is then just 6 to 10 mins not like the Acer restore that adds eApps etc... after.

So to change or try new os just install over XP and should you want to go back 10 mins then you are or delete PQSERVICE

I have 3 primaries - I go on a bit don't I lol - and an extended with two logicals and use PTEdit32 to change boot order between the OS.

32GB is OK for Vista and 16GB OK for XP

 

That's one thing that's bugging me as well..what's the difference of Primary and Logical drives??

Do you think I'd stop on my quest in recovering the Alt+F10 function while I am dualbooting? I did manage to create recovery DVD's already. Also the goals I was trying to achieve in installing XP seem to not work out the way I wanted them to either, so...

BTW let me add you up in my buddy list.

 

I look at Partitions simply but limited.

1. A Partition is an area on a hard disk that requires a file system in order to function as usable space. If it hasn't got a file system then not usable. If it's free space then its not a partition. To use a hard drive. Create a Partition, Format it with a File System then Mount the Partition.

2. A Partition is one of three types:
a) PRIMARY
b) EXTENDED
c) LOGICAL

3. A Primary Partition is where you install Windows. For it to BOOT it must be ACTIVE and visable UNHIDDEN.

4. You can have a maximum of 4 Primary Partitions but only ONE ACTIVE, although all can be UNHIDDEN.

5. There can only be ONE EXTENDED PARTITION and this partition is at the expence of one of the Primary Partitions. So if there is an Extended Partition there can be a maximum of 3 Primary Partition. Linux can install a Boot Loader to this Partition but Windows can not. The Extended Partition has no File System and is only usable if LOGICAL DRIVES are created within it's boundaries.

6. Logical Drives are partitions within the Extended Partition. Each Partition that can be accessed require a mount point. This mount point is usually a Drive Letter. To access a partition regardless of it being a Primary or Logical requires the OS to understand the File System.

7. The main differance between Primary and Logical is dependent on the OS.

8. Windows can only boot from a Primary Partition but can have it's system files in a Logical Drive.

9. You can split an Extended Partition into many Logical Drives.

Dualbooting and the Alt+F10 is still viable but I think it requires:

PRIMARY PARTITION PQSERVICE
PRIMARY PARTITION for Windows
....

more!

I think the quest is posible if you change your partitions back to default.

PQSERVICE (Primary ID 27)
ACER (Primary ID 07 Active)
DATA (can't remember but think Primary ID 07 too but not Active)

Once that is done install XP onto DATA and enable Dual boot with Vista incharge then restore the Acer MBR.

DATA could be converted to an Extended Partition and Logical drives made but that would be messy

 

He's an update

Just bought an iomega 320GB usb drive, swaped it for my 250GB Acer drive and now reinstalling to factory.

Nice little upgrade and using the iomega caddy to hold the old Acer 250GB drive.

Impluse buy

For info:

Used DriveImageXML from the BartPE and the backup that I stored on another USB drive. DriveImageXML also restored the MBR with the Acer Alt+F10 which is how I began the restore. The reason I wanted a factory restore on the 320GB drive is to ensure the hardware and Vista Activation was OK.

This time I'll have a go at Dualboot using standard config (3 partitions) Vista and XP, which is what this topic is all about

Anyway hope all's well with your PC as I'm quite pleased with my upgrade and external USB drive

 

Does anyone have the steps for doing this with Acronis True Image 2009?

 

Acronis True Image 2009. This can manage a restore partition using Alt + F11 if I remember correctly. It also puts it's restore partition at the end of the drive, if memory serves...

...You can also backup to a partition using compressed files which is my preffered method. But I'm not sure of the steps involved within that prog.

[EDIT] Forgot to mention you should backup MBR and Vista Activation too. [/EDIT]

To install XP into a Vista system and enable Acer's Alt + F10
Have a minimum of 3 partitions, default Acer config.

PQSERVICE - invisible restore partition
ACER - Vista
DATA - D: and where XP will be installed

use HDHacker to backup MBR - you'll see the text "Acer/2..system"
reboot from XP CD and install to D
once XP is installed repair Vista with Vista DVD (which is a problem if you don't have it!)
Vista will now boot. Install EasyBCD and add XP.
Reboot to check Multiboot status.
Restore MBR

Alt + F10 will now work with Vista XP dualboot but restoring Vista with Alt + F10 will mean needing to download EasyBCD and adding XP again. Also any programs installed to XP but using Vista's C drive for storage will no longer work or work properly... perhaps!

 

My system came with Vista Home Premium 64-bit installed. I would like to back up all the partitions. I would like to install a bigger HD then restore this system. How would I do this?

 

The important parts of the Acer are:

BIOS + MBR + PQSERVICE

BIOS should be ok, I've only messed up the OEM BIOS once and that's with command line switches - anyway, the BIOS isn't touched so that can be left.

MBR + I use HDHacker which is a windows based app, I don't know if 64 will run it but it might with a right click and Compatibility...

There are also MBR backups within the PQSERVICE Partition.

I found DriveImage XML good as it backed up and restored both the MBR and PQSERVICE partition so no need for HDHacker.

The important parts of your DATA are FILES and thus don't require a partition backup image only a file file backup (archive).

So I would backup my user files such as MP3 and docs and web addresses and emails and... to an external device.

Then backup the PQSERVICE and MBR with DriveImage XML again to an external device.

Install new drive and then restore using DriveImage XML the image/MBR backup to the new drive.

Reboot and press Alt + F10 hopefully the restore will begine on the new drive

When I did this I had access to the new drive as it came with an external enclosure with USB support. I could take the Acer drive out of the laptop and put the new drive in and as I had an USB external enclosure to put the Acer drive into I could also access all my files.

 

Wow, you really got to hand it to AcerAspire2930 there..he works charms! (segue: any short name for AcerAspire? How about AA? :lol

Anyway, this might prove useful, considering my dad wants my old laptop (a Lenovo, though) and wants its harddrive upgraded but with the recovery partition, but the thing is he wants it to have XP instead of Vista. Haha may have to tinker with it myself if time comes.

Anyway, I'm going to try restoring the Alt+F10 function later, and see if the thing works with mine.. AA, do you have any idea if I could upgrade my harddrive from 320 to 500? Or is that too much already? of course not until I manage to save up for it. Hahaha. I'm gonna save this thread in advance now, might not be able to dig it up if I finally get the chance to upgrade harddrives.

PS:

by the way, when you changed the harddrive, it wont matter what brand you chose for a harddrive, right? I mean, the AHCI/IDE confusion is in the chipset of the laptop itself, right? -_-'

 

AHCI is Chipset. I would imagine that "any" upgrade drive would support this mode. The Iomega drive was a Seagate Momentus 5400 and my Acer 2930 was also Seagate Momentus 5400 (not sure of the point(x) but it wasn't 6 (5400.x)).

I've thought more on the recovery partition and it's purpose. As it stands the recovery of the OS restores all including what I don't want. It also only restores the partition with Vista. I think as we are savvy with a PC perhaps at this time we could install a "recovery only" OS (XP with a Backup Restore program like DriveImage) in the PQSERVICE area and if needed boot to the restore OS and recover the other OS's from there.

This would require a Boot Manager within the recovery partition or a Boot Manager such as Avanquest System Commander.

If the partition table is unchanged maybe Alt + F10 could be used. You would need to manually set ID to 27 (if it needs to be 27)....

AA is cool

The Acer Recovery Partition is quite hard and time consuming to edit and is based around Vista and WIM.

[EDIT]
Acer Aspire 2930 Harddrive = Seagate Momentus 5400.4 SATA 3Gb/s 250-GB Hard Drive
hxxp://www.seagate.com/ww/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=c7de03cf785c6110VgnVCM100000f5ee0a0aRCRD&locale=en-US

Iomega Drive = Seagate Momentus 5400.6 SATA 3Gb/s 320-GB Hard Drive
hxxp://www.seagate.com/ww/v/index.jsp?name=st9320325as-momentus-5400.6-sata-3gb-320gb-hd&vgnextoid=31a9e0f933140210VgnVCM1000001a48090aRCRD&locale=en-US
[/EDIT]

 

Ok ~ Good news double post

Been looking at the MBR in Hex editors without much luck - maybe I was looking too much at the Acer string.

Anyway, 3 partitions weren't enough needed more.

Good news is 1. Created 3 primary and 1 extended with 3 logical. So far so good. Then just thought put the Acer MBR back and see what happens.

Well the Laptop wouldn't boot but it did have 4 partitions!
10GB 111GB 111GB and remaining free space! Basicly the default Acer config.

Without messing with the partitions or setting any active or hidden etc... I restored the previous MBR and rebooted. Good News is that all partitions were restored (3 primary and 1 extended with 3 logical).

Back to the Hex editor and at the bottom I noticed a pattern...

07

OK a small pattern but when looking closer and compairing Acer MBR to my new MBR the address of these patters became clear ish.
Acer:
000001c0h: 01 00 27 FE FF FF ....
000001d0h: FF FF 07 FE FF FF ....
000001e0h: 00 00 00 00 00 00 ....
000001f0h: 00 00 00 00 00 00 ....

My MBR:
000001c0h: 01 00 07 FE FF FF ....
000001d0h: FF FF 07 FE FF FF ....
000001e0h: FF FF 07 FE FF FE ....
000001f0h: FF FE 0F FE FF FE .... Extended partition

There is possibly more info at 00000000h 33... ? but may just beable to swap data from the bottom of the sector to enable Alt + F10 and a new partition table

Early days

[EDIT] seems to work, just edit the last 4 hex lines to match your partition table.

1. Get a working Acer MBR (Alt + F10)
2. Create the Partitions of your choice and install OS
3. Backup new MBR
4. Edit Last 4 lines of Acer MBR with new MBR

Testing still...
[/EDIT]
[EDIT2]
With an edited Acer MBR with the last 4 lines changed to discribe your main partitions.
The first partition will need Alt+F10 key press at boot inorder to function correctly as simply editing the boot and file system values don't work.
The File system will change to FAT32 (0B) but the boot value will remain 80 (bootable). The system will crash. Restart and press Alt + F10 will correct.
Use PTEDIT32 to change the boot value from 80 to 00 (not bootable) and change another partition to enable boot to that (os installed or to be installed).
After rebooting the new partition will boot and as a result the File System ID of the PQSERVICE Partition will have change to 27, not accessable.
The contence of all partitions are not affected.
[/EDIT2]

 

Wow, that's hardcore, man. Hahaha.

Anyway, yeah, I think the reason why I can't restore the default Acer MBR and the Alt+F10 Function back then was because I created another partition, so instead of the MBR recognizing only two, it might have gotten shocked at finding out it had another one to take care of. :lol:

Which hex editor do you use for this? I might reinstall my XP (as I lost it just last night, tried to restore Acer MBR) WITHOUT repartitioning the D: drive, then I'll see if the Alt+F10 works or something. Then if not I'll go by the hex-editing mode.

BTW, AA, (yeah cool nick there huh ) I was thinking of switching into a 7200rpm harddrive from my WDC harddrive w/c is a 5400rpm one..would that be just a waste of, uhh, things?

 

I installed the DiskImage XML. It does not see the 2 hidden Acer volumes. When I look at the restore option (have not backed up anything yet) it does see the 2 hidden volumes.

 

DO NOT REBOOT UNTIL PARTITION ID RESTORED

Hi there, as above don't reboot until ID's restored...

Try this (as DriveImage can only see NTFS and FATxx):

Start PTEDIT32 (run as admin or compatibility mode if needed) and look at the window. The Hidden partitions will have values in type other than 07.

I don't know why you have 2 partitions that are hidden so becarefull.

I think values will look like this: (You must remember the Values you have as you will need to restore them manually)

27 00 ........ Do Not Touch the rest of the values
07 80 .....
07 00 .....
?? 00 ..... I just think the last partition is hidden for some reason...

If you change a value the value will turn RED and you'll have two new buttons:

Discard Changes
Save Changes

Only edit the Type box.

So change 27 to 07 and Save Changes (DO NOT REBOOT)

Now open Drive Image and see if the partition is available...
...If not you may need to open Admin Tools/Computer Manager and give the partition a letter

Open PTEDIT32 angain and restore the values to what they were - Save changes. It's OK to reboot now.

I haven't tried this myself and when you backup only backup to a drive that you normally see. C: or D: if D: is hard disk.

 

Another update is with installing eRecovery software. It won't install unless:

eRecovery Installation requires>

Factory Default Image Located: \D2D\IMAGES
Acer Bootable File: ACERBOOT.ISO
Patch Disc (folder exist): \D2D\PATCH
Software Disc (folder exist): C:\Acer\Preload\Autorun
Hidden Partition Lable: PQSERVICE

Folders can be empty.

\D2D\IMAGES & \D2D\PATCH are located root of PQSERVICE Partition. Patch can be empty but must exist.

\D2D\IMAGES must contain files the name of which will be found in ImageInfo.dat

I used 3 files
POP0100M04EN0C21.000
POP0100M04EN0C21.WSI
POP0100M04EN0C210000.DSI

and edited the ImageInfo.dat file from ImageCount=145 to ImageCount=1 (ie 1 file .000)

All files are place holder empty content files (renamed txt files)

The ImageInfo.dat file should also exist but contain valid restore image info.

C:\Acer\Preload\Autorun is located on C, your working Vista drive

All other files and folders are located in PQSERVICE which can be accessable with ID changed. You can view and edit a DAT file with notepad.

To work correctly eRecovery will require correct files in these location (Factory Backup will not work)
But you may still beable to create your own backups...

[EDIT]
Doesn't work!
Wont burn backup cd/dvd's
and will only restore to the second partition regardless of the source backup

[/EDIT]

 

Think I will just give up trying to copy the files. It doesn't seem to work for me.

 

Hi there Thernen. PC's are a pain to work with as they're slow...

...it's true, the boot time and the "try this..." approach all take time, and we're left waiting and waiting...

...Always have a break from it. Remember the only stuff that can't be replaced with a download is your data. Your pictures, Your purchaced MP3's, Your emails and other documents. Always backup these files (two copies are better than one) the rest can be solved one way or another.

The reason to backup is mainly to recover quicker than one would if having to clean install. The other reason is that most new pc's don't come with CD/DVD install disks.

As long as your PC is running then all is good.

If you want to try later or get more advice just post. As for my help I think I'd need to know what your hard drive looks like...



...If you could give me the numbers in the Type boxes from top to bottom and the boot numbers too. In my image above:

07 80
07 00
07 00
0F 00

Use the PTEdit32.EXE app. When done just close the app (Top right X)

No preasure

[EDIT]
A ha! The last partition is possibly Acer Arcade Instant-On ~ Not a recovery partition.
Possibly FAT32 or NTFS - Now if you couldn't see the partition with 07 try 0B (oh Bee)
It won't be an extended partition as XP boots from there (not that XP can't boot from extended...)
I'll get told off if I don't search
[/EDIT]