HP System Recovery - Esato archive

Posted by SE Rules
Hi people,
Does anybody know with a HP computer, after performing a FULL system recovery, where the entire HDD is formatted, whether the HDD is automatically partitioned like when new, with the C: drive and the D: recovery drive.
Cheers

Posted by maddav
If you used the HP system recovery then yes it should have the partition already done, if you used another method, eg. using your XP disc, and using the Microsoft standard recovery then no, it won't be partitioned.

Posted by SE Rules
HP's 'destructive' recovery formats the entire HDD, so if I use recovery discs, when the software and drivers are reinstalled will a new recovery partition be created? Cheers

Posted by Cycovision
Yes, the destructive restore:

1. Formats the system partition leaving the recover partition intact

2. Reinstalls windows with all device drivers for the supplied hardware in the PC itself (not printers, cameras etc.)

3. Reinstalls any software apps that were supplied pre-installed with the PC.

It also reinstalls any 'branding' that there might have been for example packard bell customise internet explorer and outlook express with this horrid purple colour!

Posted by SE Rules
Its Ok people, I called HP, they told me that it completley erases the HDD, but reinstalls the partition along with the other software. I've actually gained a GB in HDD space....... not that I needed it. Cheers

Posted by zflaviu
SE Rules,
I don't know if you really understand the difference between "the whole hard-drive" and between "partition". When you called HP did they tell you that the system partition will be formated (c:) or that the whole hard-drive will be formatted (meaning the system partition c: along with all other partitions d:, e: f: g: or how many others one might have). This is very important, as for example I consider it best practice to keep my system on one partition and my data on others partitions, especially sensitive or confidential data. If i do a destructive recovery i expect only my system partition to be formated, and not to lose my work backed-up and saved on other partitions. If this is the case, then HP sucks at the way they are handling the recovery problem. Big Time! I would greatly appreciate a feedback from you.