Recovery disks

[Joe T]

Hi all

Ive not really used Windows recovery disks much, as I usually buy OEM software for my own builds and do clean installs/reinstalls.

If I were to buy a laptop with XP installed and the original recovery disks, would I be able to swap the hdd and reinstall windows using the recovery disks? Is there something that links those recovery disks to that machine?

Thanks all

 

[Chillimonster]

The recovery disk sometimes is just a bootable version of ghost that loads an image up from a hidden partition.

I tend to get stuff how i need it then use Acronis True image to make an image and if needed image it back to the new hard drive.

I also tend to have a 'bare' image just in case.

 

[Marcel]

'Probably'

Depends on the manufacturer and the way theyve set it up. Sometimes the recovery disk is literally a customised slipstreamed windows install disc.
Other times its like Chris says, and is merely code that accesses a hidden partition (which will be unavailable if you swap the disk).

Definitive answer would be to fire up Disk Manager (Right Click My Computer > Manage > Disk Manager) and see if there is a spare partition there.

 

[Marcel]

Although if there is an XP Home product key on a sticker somewhere, I'm sure you are fine within the terms of the license to use your own discs to install (if it's reliant on the hidden partition of course)

 

[Richard King]

a mine field this one

Some machines have a hidden partition, others use a reovery disk

Some use a recovery disk, and the hidden partition to load on the "extras" like machine specific drivers & software

Some have a TATTOO that checks the disk has the same info on as read from a hidden sector on the HDD and also in the BIOS

What make, model, age is the machine - did you make the disks yourself, or were they supplied

Pray it isnt a Packard Bell or older COMPAQ - which are the common offenders