What is inside "Recovery (D:)" ??

I opened it and have no idea what it is for. I'm not the best with computers, and am not really the go to guy (unless for soccer lol) but i saw a .wim file called factory. What does that do?

 

I think that partition is for performing a recovery in the case that something goes horribly wrong. Keeps you from having to do a full blown installation of Windows. Maybe someone else can comment.

 

Yea its a windows image I believe. I always just wipe it. I use another program to create and restore images.

 

Leave it intact... it's so that from bios you can restore your computer back to factory settings if anything happens. If Windows gets corrupted, etc. However, you are in trouble if the hard drive fails and you lose that. You can install from Windows DVD, but that requires more work and setting up all the drivers manually.

 

How would I restore from bios?!?!! Please, that would help me out sooo well

 

And manually? I'm lost, like everything? I've never done this before. Sorry

 

I believe you push F8 at boot and select Dell recovery.

 

Yes, I tried that, and it has worked before, but not now cuz it opens the windows 8 config. the cd is coming to my house in a couple of days, and i guess i have no option but to wait

 

It is also a good idea to use a program like Ghost or Acronis True Image to make a image of the drive and partition structure. This is good if you intend to reinstall Windows or anything like that on the main C: drive.

One problem I had before was during a reinstalling of Windows. After I reinstalled Windows the Dellienware recovery partition could not be used within Windows to restore the Factory Image. I even called Dellienware and asked about this and they told me they couldnt fix it.

Hope this helps someone!

 

......crap. So what do i do if i ever need to restore it again?
So you're saying I can never F8 after I clean install?

 

You can copy the WIM file off and use it to install with. You just boot with a Win7 CD and then use the WIM file to install.

 

Hm..so I get the win7 dvd, and then how would i use the WIM file? Just remember, I'm a pc newb.

 

I just wipe it and use it as storage. You get install discs with your computer anyway and if something goes wrong I'd rather do a fresh install anyway. No matter what you should back up your information so I find it just wastes 30GBs of HD space.

 

If you had Dell send you a Respawn CD (if your's didn't come with one) you can recreate the default image along with the restore partition. Also, in the future if you want to play with other OS just add the second drive or use the eSATA connection to an external drive (that's where my Windows 8 preview is). This way the main install is not touched.

Cheers,

 

I didn't get any DVD's with my purchase. They even sent me the wrong manual, fail.

How would I do that? And yeah, next time I wanna tamper with other an other OS, I deff won't use my Alienware.

 

I always make a clone first this onto a new HD like SSD or Hybrid then pull the Alienware drive put it away. If I ever have a problem or sell the system I got the factory drive and image. Saves alot of problems always keep any parts you upgrade for warranty or Dell will give you trouble on repairs.

 

Did they send you an R2 manual? That's what they sent me.

 

Exactly what they did. I asked for the right one and they said "Sorry sir, we are not allowed to ship you manuals" lol

 

Ok guys, It's been about 4 days since the phone call with dell. Still no dvd. Is this normal or am i just dreaming here?