Fresh OS install, multiple partitions

gobtron

New Member
Messages
5
Hello,

I hope you guys can help me, because I can't find the information on the internet.

I want to eventually re-install Windows 8. I do that at least once a year...

The thing is that I like to have my OS and personal data on separate partitions. And I also bought a laptop that came pre-loaded with Windows 8. I have a "recovery" partition, and I am aware of the "refresh" and "reset" functions in Windows 8. I managed to get my product key with a third-party software (wich I think this is ridiculous... we should have easy access to the key we paid for, AND a media to install the OS...).

So what happens if I do a "refresh"? What happens to my data on the other partition? Does Windows is smart enough to install itself on C: and leave the rest of the hdd intact?

Do I need a retail version in order to have control on what windows do when installing?

I bought a laptop, and I am new to this world... Didn't know the difference between OEM and Retail. I regret that my laptop came preloaded with Windows 8... I feel that I don't have control on what's going on in my computer. And my computer is like an extension of my mind, so I feel "mind-raped".

Any clue on what I can do ??
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 OEM
As I understand it Refresh will not disturb any of your data files. It shouldn't bother anything on other partitions. I have all my data on my Win 7 partition and the complete install of Win 8 caused no loss. You will have to reinstall all your Windows 8 programs (not the Apps) which could be several hours of work. I suspect (guess?) it will keep some/all of the setup information for programs so that would make the install easier.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Dual Win 7-8 64-bit
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Studio XPS8100
    CPU
    Intel Core i5 3.2 GHz
    Memory
    8 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Nvidia GeForce GTX 260
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Dell 24" LCD
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1200
    Hard Drives
    900GB and 1.5TB
    Keyboard
    Dell USB
    Mouse
    Dell Optical
    Internet Speed
    10 Mb/s down 1.5 Mb/s up
    Other Info
    I worked my up from a virtual machine, to a slow 32-bit celeron and now two monitors on my XPS8100. Works great!
So what happens if I do a "refresh"? What happens to my data on the other partition? Does Windows is smart enough to install itself on C: and leave the rest of the hdd intact?

Yes, the "refresh" function won't disturb the other partition in any way, but the "reset" function asks if you want to erase Windows partition/disk or all partitions/disks.

:)
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10.0.10122
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    My Build - Vorttex Ultimate
    CPU
    Core i7 @ 4500 MHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS Z87-Plus
    Memory
    32GB DDR3 @ 1822 MHz (OC)
    Graphics Card(s)
    Radeon R9 280X 3GB @ 1180 / 6800 MHz
    Sound Card
    7.1 HDA
    Monitor(s) Displays
    LCD LG 22" + CRT LG 17"
    Screen Resolution
    1760 x 1320 / 1280 x 960
    Hard Drives
    1 x 240 GB SSD (System)
    3 x 500 GB HDD (Data/Media)
    1 x 2000 GB e-HDD (Backup)
    PSU
    ThermalTake 1000W PSU
    Case
    Corsair Carbide R300
    Cooling
    Corsair H60 (Push-Pull)
    Keyboard
    Microsoft Wireless Keyboard
    Mouse
    Microsoft Wireless Mouse
    Internet Speed
    60 Mbps (Down) 5 Mbps (Up)
    Browser
    IE, FF, Chrome
    Antivirus
    AVG Internet Security 2015
    Other Info
    Some wired stuff
information   Information

We always assume you have made your Recovery Disks using the OEM manufacturer's Recovery Media Creator app the first day you had your new PC.
& made the Startup Repair CD.
http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/5132-recovery-drive-create-usb-flash-drive-windows-8-a.html
http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/2855-system-repair-disc-create-windows-8-a.html




You can use the OEM version of
http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/5132-recovery-drive-create-usb-flash-drive-windows-8-a.html
warning   Warning
Deleting the Recovery Partition is NOT RECOMMENDED




Did you make the OEM manufacturer's Recovery Disks?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    ME, XP,Vista,Win7,Win8,Win8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Other Info
    Notebooks x 3

    Desktops x 5

    Towers x 4
This is some nice information you are providing. I like to completely format the OS partition. I don't know if the "reset" function will let me do this without problem...

I usually backup stuff on a DVD (really important data, just in case something bad happens), and I trust windows installer for the rest :)

I don't if I'll be screwed if I don't backup my entire drive...
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 OEM
Did you make the OEM manufacturer's Recovery Disks?


Nope.

This is some nice information you are providing. I like to completely format the OS partition. I don't know if the "reset" function will let me do this without problem...

I usually backup stuff on a DVD (really important data, just in case something bad happens), and I trust windows installer for the rest :)

I don't if I'll be screwed if I don't backup my entire drive...

What is the Make & Model?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    ME, XP,Vista,Win7,Win8,Win8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Other Info
    Notebooks x 3

    Desktops x 5

    Towers x 4
This is a tutorial by Lenovo using the Windows 8 USB Drive Recovery app.

Methodology to create Recovery Media and reload a Lenovo Think system with Microsoft Windows 8 preload


Lenovo said:
NOTE: From this point forward in the recovery process, the choices for actual operating system recovery depend on the existing state of the computer hard drive.

Below are the instructions if there is an existing Microsoft Windows 8 install on the hard drive.
1.Select the target operating system of Microsoft Windows 8 to reload over existing Lenovo preload.
2.Select "Yes" to repartition the drives or "No" to keep existing partitions. For a clean install, the drives should be repartitioned.
3.Select "Fully Clean the drive".
4.Click Reset to begin the process.
5.The reset/recovery process takes approximately 90 minutes.
6.Once the reset/recovery is complete, the system will reboot into Microsoft Windows 8.

Below are the instructions if the hard drive is blank.
1.Select "Yes" to repartition the HDD or "No" to keep the existing partitions.
2.Click either choice, but these instructions follow the repartition scenario.
3.Select "Fully Clean the drive" as this will take several minutes to complete.
4.Click Reset to begin the process.
5.The reset/recovery process takes approximately 90 minutes.
6.Once the reset/recovery is complete, the system will reboot into Microsoft Windows 8.

From the manual for Lenovo G480.

Lenovo said:
When the hard disk drive or solid state drive is replaced because of a failure, no
product recovery program is on the new drive. In this case, you must use the
Recovery Disc Set for the computer. Order the Recovery Disc Set and the drive at
the same time so that you can recover the new drive with the pre-installed
software when they arrive.

You can Order Lenovo Recovery Disks from here:
Lenovo Support - Home (US)
Click on Parts & Accessories.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    ME, XP,Vista,Win7,Win8,Win8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Other Info
    Notebooks x 3

    Desktops x 5

    Towers x 4
Back
Top