Format Laptop, possible to install with recovery after?

Hello forlks, i tried the search but since in every review the word recovery occures i start a new thread!

I know on my laptop must be 3 partitions, C, D and one invisible, i just accepted that since i dont own a ParttionMagic anymore, if i would i would have had configured my HD so it was like c (10 gb) and the rest for d.

So, if i say format all (the invisible partition with the asus stuff for the recovery) can i still use the recover cd for installing windows? Or is the partition there to install it without the cd?

And the final question: when i format all, and then install vista (i have read the open beta will be released at the end of may) can i install XP using w/e you have answered above so it doesnt remove vista or format my hd like it came?

 

I think this belongs to the Asus forum because the guys there will know what this hidden partition is for. If you have a recovery Cd, though, you should be able to recover the OS and the software with any configuration of the HDD.
If the hidden partition is less than 500 mb, then it is just a waste of space and you need not worry that it contains anything of value. HP pavilions, on the other hand, use a small Linux partition for their Quick Play feature and formating it is not recommended. I don't know for Asus.

 

Moved per relachs request. As this has to do with an Asus computer.

USAF

 

I think it may be the same deal as the HPs. I'm not sure about the A6, but a number of ASUS models have the no-boot media feature where you can play CDs (not DVDs though, strangely) without booting into OS. I imagine this is, like the HP, done with a Linux shell of some kind in that "invisible" partition. In which case that entire functionality would be wiped out were you to reformat the entire HDD.

 

If you need to re-partition without Partition Magic, just use Gparted LiveCD. Only 30 MB, burn it to CD, boot it up and do whatever you like with your partitions. (I know the Knoppix one with Qparted is like 640Mb).

I just did that to my A8Jm and it worked fine, just like Partition Magic.

The Recovery partition I think is just to install without CD's (not sure though). I just left it alone since it's only 1.8 GB. People have told me it can be deleted no problem, just use the recovery CD"s when u need it later on.

I'm assuming the RECOVERY partition that is hidden is just to recover without CD's

 

Thanks dude, i will try this LiveCD out

If i have format all partitions so i have only one big, including the invisible asus(or not..), then insert the recvoery cd's: Will that recovery process format it like it came, c: 40gb, d:30gb? (10gb asus)?

And i really need to know if its still possible to recover(install windows) without having that invisible asus partition. I do not play audio cd's when not booted

Rookie, so you do not know exactly, thanks for your input anyway.

USAF, thanks for moving the thread.

 

Sorry for hijacking this thread but since we are on reformatting topic, I just like to ask a noob question here concerning clean install.
Supposing that I have a laptop with only recovery CD, can I wipe clean the HD, clean install "warez" Win XP home OEM and use the serial number under my laptop?

 

No, that will not work. Trust me, I've tried. This serial number is license for corporate edition which means that probably most of for example W3 has the same number on the bottom. That's why you have this cd's for recovery, serial number is not needed during instalation.

 

Yes you can delete the hidden partition, you'll just need to use the CD's if you ever need to recover again. If you use the CD's it takes around 1.5 hours to get windows setup before you can even start installing stuff. If you recover off the HDD hidden partition is only takes around 4 minutes to install the XP with all the drivers etc, and then the 5 minutes to accept the EULA and language settings.... The CD method takes ages and ages as after XP is installed it asked to incert the ASUS driver CD and runs a bat file to install all the right drivers which takes again.


I'd keep the partition if not needed. You can always unhide the partition and burn it to DVD and put it back if you ever need it. I've coppied it from one HDD to another and recovered using the partition on the new HDD, much faster!

insane

 

Thanks alot Insane. I think i will keep that partition, 1.5 hours compared to 9 minutes...

I think i will pay the 10 GB lol.

Question: How do i recover using the HDD? Put in the CD's, and choose from a lists off HDD's that contains the revoerfiles if i say, cloned the invislbe one and have 2? Or will it just takes the first HDD it finds with recoveryfiles and after telling the setup to search for a HDD/Partition with recoveryfiles?

Not that i clonse it, 10 GB is enough Just want to know



By the way: whats the gpu in your ASUS Z92U? Onboard? Can't believe with this processor!