Laptop OS backup and partitions query

DarkAngel

DarkAngel

Level G
I got a new Acer Laptop with 64-bit Windows7 installed. Unfortunately no OEM disc was offered with it. I uninstall-ed couple of cr@pware. Installed VLC, etc... Still haven't backed up the OS.

I tried to shrink volume C drive to create partitions. But still the C drive has 149 GB and wont shrink beyond that.

So i am left with C drive of 149GB and 135GB to partition across to my wish and a 14GB recovery partition.

My ideal partition would be 60GB for OS and rest 238 GB according to my wish.

There is popup whenever i boot asking me to create recovery DVD's. Size 12.31GB and it says it needs 4 DVD disks. After that is it ok to delete the recovery partition?

If i create a recovery DVD will it allow me to create the partition like this? Or will it revert back to 284GB C drive and 14GB recovery? .

Or is the only option i have is partition according to my wish and then call Microsoft India to activate the OEM? Plz advice.

I got a OEM disc with my previous dell laptop. So never worried about these things.
 
-create a recovery disk and its ok to delete the recovery partition after that.

-check if there is a minimized restore(os+drivers :no crapware) option in the recovery disk

-i guess it will not allow to create partitions according to ur will while using the disks .

-These days no one offers an OEM disc...dell asks for courier charges now...i ordered from HP few days back after a bit of fighting.check acer helpline

-http://forum.notebookreview.com/hp-compaq/432564-hp-laptop-out-box-guide-2-0-windows-7-a.html

check this thread
 
hA1d3R said:
-create a recovery disk and its ok to delete the recovery partition after that.

-check if there is a minimized restore(os+drivers :no crapware) option in the recovery disk

-i guess it will not allow to create partitions according to ur will while using the disks .

-These days no one offers an OEM disc...dell asks for courier charges now...i ordered from HP few days back after a bit of fighting.check acer helpline

-http://forum.notebookreview.com/hp-compaq/432564-hp-laptop-out-box-guide-2-0-windows-7-a.html

check this thread
Click to expand...
I lost two DVD's due to recover disc creation. One threw error after showing 100% progress and the second just after 10%.

I guess i will just use the ABR method and leave the recovery partition untouched and make use of the remaining 284GB.
 
What you need to do is first defrag the C: drive using a defrag tool, reduce the paging file to the smallest size possible (or remove it) and then try to run a shrink drive or alternatively use a 3rd party disc manager like the Paragon Partition Manager Home Edition (which is free)... I used this method after I installed 7 Ultimate on my laptop by an OEM disc which inadvertently formatted the entire HDD... Unlike XP where the OS would be installed allover the partition, Windows 7 installs itself on the beginning of the partition only so shrinking the partition is pretty easy after the crap ware is removed and page file reduced... Also ABR method is pretty time-consuming, resizing the partition will take about 10 minutes max...

It is good idea to make a recovery disc, even if it means wasting a couple of discs !!
 
St.John said:
What you need to do is first defrag the C: drive using a defrag tool, reduce the paging file to the smallest size possible (or remove it) and then try to run a shrink drive or alternatively use a 3rd party disc manager like the Paragon Partition Manager Home Edition (which is free)... I used this method after I installed 7 Ultimate on my laptop by an OEM disc which inadvertently formatted the entire HDD... Unlike XP where the OS would be installed allover the partition, Windows 7 installs itself on the beginning of the partition only so shrinking the partition is pretty easy after the crap ware is removed and page file reduced... Also ABR method is pretty time-consuming, resizing the partition will take about 10 minutes max...

It is good idea to make a recovery disc, even if it means wasting a couple of discs !!
Click to expand...
If i leave the recovery partition intact then there is no need to create the recovery discs, ri8?

Why is the ABR method time consuming? I just ran that yest and it has generated the key. So all i have to do is install a Windows 7 Premium and then use the key to activate, ri8?
 
DarkAngel said:
If i leave the recovery partition intact then there is no need to create the recovery discs, ri8?

Why is the ABR method time consuming? I just ran that yest and it has generated the key. So all i have to do is install a Windows 7 Premium and then use the key to activate, ri8?
Click to expand...
If I am not wrong the Key for Windows 7 should be below your Laptop.

I have a simpler method.

Do you need the recovery stuff?

Do you have any other important data on the HDD?

If not then follow this.

You need to have an untouched Windows 7 DVD or you can also create USB based Windows 7 install disk.

Also download the latest drivers from Acer's website and keep it ready.

after that

go to the BIOS & set it to boot from DVD or USB(in case of a Pendrive )

Start the installation then remove the partitions by formatting them & then deleting them.

Then Create partition's according to the sizes you need and then format & install.

That's it.

After completing the installation, Install the drivers & you are ready to go.
 
harishgayatri said:
If I am not wrong the Key for Windows 7 should be below your Laptop.

I have a simpler method.

Do you need the recovery stuff?

Do you have any other important data on the HDD?

If not then follow this.

You need to have an untouched Windows 7 DVD or you can also create USB based Windows 7 install disk.

Also download the latest drivers from Acer's website and keep it ready.

after that

go to the BIOS & set it to boot from DVD or USB(in case of a Pendrive )

Start the installation then remove the partitions by formatting them & then deleting them.

Then Create partition's according to the sizes you need and then format & install.

That's it.

After completing the installation, Install the drivers & you are ready to go.
Click to expand...
Errrr..... How do u activate the Disc? I think u just cant activate the OS with the key below the laptop and need to call MS india for activation. I know how to fresh install a Laptop with pirated/ OEM disc. But there was no OEM DVD disc provided by Acer and thus this thread.
 
DarkAngel said:
If i leave the recovery partition intact then there is no need to create the recovery discs, ri8?

Why is the ABR method time consuming? I just ran that yest and it has generated the key. So all i have to do is install a Windows 7 Premium and then use the key to activate, ri8?
Click to expand...
OEM Activation is not the same as normal activation. OEM's activate themselves when the key/certificates on the DVD match themselves with the key/certificates in the BIOS and if the SLIC is 2.1. They don't need to be activated online, also an OEM key will not work with a retail DVD.. OEM & Retail DVD's are different.. OEM Disc check for the necessary SLIC, Certificates in the BIOS and then only the installation starts and that is why a Dell OEM will not work on a HP or an Acer until a BIOS Emulater is used..

I'd suggest not removing the current OS until you get your hands on an Acer's OEM disc...
 
It is advisable to create recovery dvds but you need those only if you are going to change the HDD,so:

1.Leave the recovery partition as it is.
2.Go for a clean install.
3.Use ABR for windows activation.
4.Enjoy your crapware-free laptop :)
 
St.John said:
OEM Activation is not the same as normal activation. OEM's activate themselves when the key/certificates on the DVD match themselves with the key/certificates in the BIOS and if the SLIC is 2.1. They don't need to be activated online, also an OEM key will not work with a retail DVD.. OEM & Retail DVD's are different.. OEM Disc check for the necessary SLIC, Certificates in the BIOS and then only the installation starts and that is why a Dell OEM will not work on a HP or an Acer until a BIOS Emulater is used..

I'd suggest not removing the current OS until you get your hands on an Acer's OEM disc...
Click to expand...
Yes :( I have only Dell's OEM WIn7 64 Bit Disc. I think Acer doesnt give out OEM discs :@ Guess i will work with the same original OS or try the ABR method :D

--- Updated Post - Automerged ---

Has anyone tried ABR method? DO we get same privileges for updates etc... using this method?

So what are the steps,

i) Clean install

ii) Use ABR to restore key, ri8?
 
^^Yup.

1.clean install.

2.ABR for windows activation.

3.install the drivers and necessary acer softwares(you may want to install acer recovery software).
 
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