Whats the Dell Recovery partition for?

???

In my other post I explain my issue, I'm thinking about formatting it and installing Vista on it in order to get access to a different partition that a messed up version of Vista is on so that I can get access to my files on that messed up partition. Is this a good idea?

 

The recovery partition recovers your computer back to factory settings if you screw up.

 

so do you agree with my plan- to format it and install Vista on it to get access to the other partitions?

 

I really don't know what your plan is, but if you want to get rid of the restore partition, make restore discs first.

 

The plan is to format the recovery partition in order to make room for a 2nd install of Vista so that I can get access to my other partition in which Vista is not booting and where all my files are. Would this work? Or would it just screw things up worse? My main goal is to access my files, drop them onto an External HD and then just do a clean install of everything. Thanks for your help.

 

So you don't have to put in the reinstall disk. Sorry couldn't resist.

 

All joking aside, if you delete the partition, is there really any harm done? I mean, you can still make whatever new partitions you want (or just stick to one) and re-install windows anytime, yes??

 

Yes, you can delete it. That was the first thing I did after I turned my Vostro on for the first time.

 

Isn't the recovery partition really small, around two gigs or so? If that's the case, you won't be able to install Vista on it, there's simply not enough space. You'll need to resize it to at least 10 gigs.

 

As long as you have another means of reinstalling the OS, you can delete the restore partition without negative effects. Just remember that the anytime discs don't include drivers. As a rule of thumb, always burn recovery discs and SWSetup.