delete recovery partition

freezerburn

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Hi,

I need to delete a recovery partition off my second hard drive. I've seen this link: Delete and Remove to Unlock EISA Hidden Recovery or Diagnostic Partition in Vista « My Digital Life but it's for Vista and the final command "delete partition override" doesn't work in diskpart. It comes up saying "The specified command or parameters are not supported on this system"

Yes, I really do want to delete the recovery partition because it's on my secondary HDD, I still have the recovery partition on my C: so I'm really not losing anything

Cheers for the help
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8
AOMEI partition assistant should do the job.

Its free and easy.

Free partition manager download for managing your PCs and Servers.

Is your recovery partition before or after your windows partition?

If its before and you move that partition to another location or even merge it with your windows partition, you will need to repair the boot manager as you have physically changed your windows location.
 

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System One

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    Windows 8 & Windows 7 Dual Boot
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    HP G60
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    3 GB
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AOMEI partition assistant should do the job.


Is your recovery partition before or after your windows partition?

If its before and you move that partition to another location or even merge it with your windows partition, you will need to repair the boot manager as you have physically changed your windows location.

Hey Brooklyn,

I am basically in the same situation as the OP, I installed an SSD and put windows 8 on that and moved the HDD into the second drive bay of the laptop [it has 2 drive bays], but left the HDD as was, it also has WIndows 8 on it, thats how I got it from DELL, meaning I didn't delete or format the drive and this HDD has a 9GB recovery Partiton created that i want to get rid of, since I created the recovery and backup on DVD discs, so I basically am covered if I need to recover.

What do you mean by before or after ?? Do you mean when displayed under Disk Management that it comes before or after the main OS partition on the display??

Mine comes after, but if I right-click on this recovery partition that i want to delete and merge, I don't get any options other than "HELP"

I am guessing I need to do something to unprotect this partition that I assume DELL put some kind of safety protection so it doesn't accidentally get deleted.

Anyway can you or other forum 8 members give me some leads ??
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    DELL Inspiron 17R - SE
    CPU
    i7-3630QM
    Motherboard
    DELL ?
    Memory
    8GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    nVidia GT650M
    Sound Card
    On-Board
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    Samsung SSD 840
    Samsung 1TB 5400 RPM
    Keyboard
    DELL Backlit
    Internet Speed
    ADSL 2+ - 10MB
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    WIndows Defender
freezerburn's situation:
Yes, I really do want to delete the recovery partition because it's on my secondary HDD
Brooklyn567's suggestion should work nicely.


SoiCBoy's situation:
I am basically in the same situation as the OP, I installed an SSD and put windows 8 on that and moved the HDD into the second drive bay of the laptop
If that original hard drive is truly now a secondary drive, and you are booting from a clean install of Win 8 on your new SSD, then I see no reason why Brooklyn's suggestion wouldn't work for you as well on your (now) secondary HD.


Now, there are several other ways of doing it but I agree that Brooklyn567's suggestion is a good one!
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    Intel G2020
    Motherboard
    ASRock B75M-DGS R2.0
    Memory
    8GBs @ 1333 MHz
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 840 EVO
    PSU
    400w
    Internet Speed
    57/11
I am just curious about the part he asks:

"Is your recovery partition before or after your windows partition?"

He gives details on if its before.. what if it's after if that makes any difference??
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    DELL Inspiron 17R - SE
    CPU
    i7-3630QM
    Motherboard
    DELL ?
    Memory
    8GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    nVidia GT650M
    Sound Card
    On-Board
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    Samsung SSD 840
    Samsung 1TB 5400 RPM
    Keyboard
    DELL Backlit
    Internet Speed
    ADSL 2+ - 10MB
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    WIndows Defender
I am just curious about the part he asks:

"Is your recovery partition before or after your windows partition?"

He gives details on if its before.. what if it's after if that makes any difference??

It could be before or after based on the system builder's design IMHO. However, in both of your cases, you now use that original drive as a secondary drive, so what's the difference if it is not used for recovery purposes anymore? Also, I think AOMEI has the option to delete and move partition contents up to the front of two merged partitions it that gives one a warm, fuzzy feeling.

In any event, if you still have some reservations about using AEOMI, and you want a 100% lead-pipe lock answer (solution), just wait for Theog to arrive on the scene and he'll set the record straight. Good luck.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    Intel G2020
    Motherboard
    ASRock B75M-DGS R2.0
    Memory
    8GBs @ 1333 MHz
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 840 EVO
    PSU
    400w
    Internet Speed
    57/11
put windows 8 on that and moved the HDD into the second drive bay of the laptop [it has 2 drive bays], but left the HDD as was, it also has WIndows 8 on it, thats how I got it from DELL, meaning I didn't delete or format the drive and this HDD has a 9GB recovery Partiton created that i want to get rid of, since I created the recovery and backup on DVD discs, so I basically am covered if I need to recover.

For the HHD:
Clean the HD Drive, using Step one in this tutorial:
SSD / HDD : Optimize for Windows Reinstallation - Windows 7 Help Forums

For the SSD:
Do you have the Recovery Partition?
 

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
One easy way to remove the recovery partition that holds the reset image is to make a recovery drive. If it gives you the option to copy the contents of the Recovery Image partition, it will also give you the option to remove that partition. You will need to do this while booted into the old install, since that is the one you seem to want to remove. I would also remove the new drive, just to be safe.

You can use Diskpart to find the Partition Type and Attributes. Adjusting those should allow normal manipulation of the partition.

You can check the operation condition of the recovery partitions by running the following command in an Administrative command prompt. It will tell you if a recovery image is set up for your system and where it is located.

reagentc /info
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 x64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Home Grown
    CPU
    i7 3770K
    Motherboard
    ASUS P8Z77 -v Pro, Z87-Expert
    Memory
    16 G
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA GTX 680 Classified (2)
    Hard Drives
    Kingston SSD 240 GB
thanks guys

@ theog - I created the Recovery partition on 3 DVD's as per Dells included software and since I now have the OS a new drive, I don't mind reclaiming an extra 10GB of space.

The reason I am keeping the original drive [its a 1TB HDD] with the OS still on it, is that I heard while the laptop is still under warranty, DELL want you to have the original setup they sold you, so if something does go wrong I will just rip out my SSD I put in myself and put it in for repair. How much of this is actually true I'm not sure.

As I mentioned I think DELL have protect this "recovery partition" to prevent accidental deletion as in Disk Management, it shows up but there is absolutely no option to do anything at all... right clicking only shows a HELP dialogue and when clicked on the HELP panel and info windows activates.

So you think running AOMEI partition assistant will somehow unprotect this partition and allow me to delete and merge it.

Just asking before I start testing it out, just in case there is a different approach I need to take.

cheers
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    DELL Inspiron 17R - SE
    CPU
    i7-3630QM
    Motherboard
    DELL ?
    Memory
    8GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    nVidia GT650M
    Sound Card
    On-Board
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    Samsung SSD 840
    Samsung 1TB 5400 RPM
    Keyboard
    DELL Backlit
    Internet Speed
    ADSL 2+ - 10MB
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    WIndows Defender
The reason I am keeping the original drive [its a 1TB HDD] with the OS still on it, is that I heard while the laptop is still under warranty, DELL want you to have the original setup they sold you, so if something does go wrong I will just rip out my SSD I put in myself and put it in for repair. How much of this is actually true I'm not sure.

That is one smart move on your part! And I do agree that any hardware modifications might have an impact on your warranty. With that said, I would leave it "as-is" until the warranty expires. Moreover, you now have an alternative drive to boot from in case you encounter SSD problems or system corruption down the road.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    Intel G2020
    Motherboard
    ASRock B75M-DGS R2.0
    Memory
    8GBs @ 1333 MHz
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 840 EVO
    PSU
    400w
    Internet Speed
    57/11
SoiCBoy said:
@ theog - I created the Recovery partition on 3 DVD's as per Dells included software and since I now have the OS a new drive, I don't mind reclaiming an extra 10GB of space.


warning   Warning
Deleting the Recovery Partition is NOT RECOMMENDED
as of the ERRORS you may receive below, when using Refresh or Reset.



SONY Recovery error 001 theog.PNG

How to do a Refresh:
http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/2293-refresh-windows-8-a.html

You can use Reset to recovery to factory setting.
How to do a Reset
http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/2302-reset-windows-8-a.html
 

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
Deleting the Recovery Partition is NOT RECOMMENDED
as of the ERRORS you may receive below, when using Refresh or Reset.


Yep, that seems to be the case with some oem recovery images at least. Ridiculous as it seems.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    7/8/ubuntu/Linux Deepin
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
The Recovery partition is necessary if you need to do a Windows 8 or Factory reset without any external media. Removing it will cause problems in that situation. Since OEMs seem to have various ways to set up their systems, it is always hard to know for sure what might happen for your particular system. One major consideration is the case of total drive failure and how to recover your system. But of course, the Recovery Partition would not be available in that situation anyway....a System image which had been created, would be available.

But you have made the external media required to reset your system. You might also make a Windows 8 Recovery Drive which will copy over the image to be used when booting to that media. But since the Windows 8 Recovery Drive process will offer to delete the Recovery partition, it seems hard to justify not removing it.

The error messge Theog posted can be caused by things other than a missing Recovery Partition. The other partitions, such as the System or even small recovery, can be involved in that type of message.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 x64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Home Grown
    CPU
    i7 3770K
    Motherboard
    ASUS P8Z77 -v Pro, Z87-Expert
    Memory
    16 G
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA GTX 680 Classified (2)
    Hard Drives
    Kingston SSD 240 GB
Saltgrass said:
The error messge Theog posted can be caused by things other than a missing Recovery Partition. The other partitions, such as the System or even small recovery, can be involved in that type of message.

The screenshot is of using a Windows 8 Recovery USB Drive with the Recovery Partition copied & deleted.
 

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
Saltgrass said:
The error messge Theog posted can be caused by things other than a missing Recovery Partition. The other partitions, such as the System or even small recovery, can be involved in that type of message.

The screenshot is of using a Windows 8 Recovery USB Drive with the Recovery Partition copied & deleted.
Ok, I will spend some time testing, although I think I have tested already. I still stand by the option Windows 8 offers to remove the partition. Is Microsoft WRONG!!!!!!

Also a note, to use a recovery drive to restore the OS partition, the OS partition has to be at least formatted first.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 x64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Home Grown
    CPU
    i7 3770K
    Motherboard
    ASUS P8Z77 -v Pro, Z87-Expert
    Memory
    16 G
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA GTX 680 Classified (2)
    Hard Drives
    Kingston SSD 240 GB
Saltgrass said:
The error messge Theog posted can be caused by things other than a missing Recovery Partition. The other partitions, such as the System or even small recovery, can be involved in that type of message.

The screenshot is of using a Windows 8 Recovery USB Drive with the Recovery Partition copied & deleted.
Ok, I will spend some time testing, although I think I have tested already. I still stand by the option Windows 8 offers to remove the partition. Is Microsoft WRONG!!!!!!

Also a note, to use a recovery drive to restore the OS partition, the OS partition has to be at least formatted first.

The OEM manufacturer's options will work, using there Recovery USB Drive or DVD, but not MS options.

OEM Recovery 001 theog.PNG

EDIT: but not MS options, without Recovery Partition.
 
Last edited:

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
I would expect the OEM recovery options not to function if the recovery partition has been removed.... That would be a given for anyone thinking about removing it. Since I do not have an OEM system, I cannot test those functions.

As far as the Windows 8 reset option, which some OEMs now rely on, I have tried two different ways of creating a recovery drive and then removing the Large Recovery Partition. Both procedures still produce a condition where a Recovery Drive can be booted to and Reset the OS partition.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 x64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Home Grown
    CPU
    i7 3770K
    Motherboard
    ASUS P8Z77 -v Pro, Z87-Expert
    Memory
    16 G
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA GTX 680 Classified (2)
    Hard Drives
    Kingston SSD 240 GB
Saltgrass said:
As far as the Windows 8 reset option, which some OEMs now rely on,

Only on older OEM manufacturer's Windows 8 Pre-install.

On newer OEM manufacturer's Windows 8 Pre-install, there have a Recovery Media Creator app.

For example SONY.

SONY Recovery Make DVD-USB 001 theog.PNG
 

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
I think DELL's purpose here is since they no longer ship most laptops with an OEM DVD of the OS [but for an optional fee they will :p], they ask you to create your own recovery disks using their pre-installed DELL backup and recovery software already on the system when you get it delivered which I have done so. The problem with this is that as soon as you try to use these recovery disks to re-install your OS on say a new SSD, you get an error saying that the drive needs to be at least 931GB in size [which was the original drive that was installed that came from DELL].... so on the basis that I had previously ordered several other DELL latops in the past, I requested them send out the original Windows 8 OEM DVD, so I can complete the process. Now I have both the original Windows 8 OEM DVD plus the set of DVD's [3] I created using the DELL recovery software.

Now should I remove the "Recovery Partition" I think [but not 100% sure unless I tested it out] I can recovery my system with these DVD's. If that should fail, then I am sure I can do a clean install with the Windows 8 OEM DVD.

Bottom line in all this is, although 10GB makes very little difference in the, I wouldn't mind finding out how to do this as an option [finding a way to delete and merge this drive] and learning experience.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    DELL Inspiron 17R - SE
    CPU
    i7-3630QM
    Motherboard
    DELL ?
    Memory
    8GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    nVidia GT650M
    Sound Card
    On-Board
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    Samsung SSD 840
    Samsung 1TB 5400 RPM
    Keyboard
    DELL Backlit
    Internet Speed
    ADSL 2+ - 10MB
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    WIndows Defender
They probably do it different ways. An older dell recovery image could be restored literally anywhere. Seems crazy the recovery usb created by windows which contains the oem partition cannot be used to restore to a different drive/partition structure.

This is the sources folder of one created by the windows thing including recovery partition:

WinRecUsb.jpg


There are 2 images in the split wims. Push button reset image - which is full of crapware, and another called Foundation Image 1 ( below )

2013-10-10_231043.jpg


The oem created usb uses a different format:

2013-10-10_231215.jpg

The bootable wims are Winre.wim from the HD
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    7/8/ubuntu/Linux Deepin
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
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