Hp Pavilion - Accessing "hidden" Partition

[DevHead]

Some HP computers doesn't come with a Recovery CD. Instead, HP creates a partition and probably stores all the info about the PC there. Here is a quote from the HP site:

"NOTE: HP Pavilions that ship with Windows XP do not always come with recovery CDs. Instead, they use a hidden space (partition) on the hard drive to store the recovery information. Using a hidden partition provides a convenient, more stable recovery process." Link here...

I'm trying to help my uncle restore his PC. The kids have made the PC gone haywire. If the PC had came with an XP CD, I wouldn't be asking this. But because it didn't, I'm asking if any of you have had experiences with HP and their systems that are set up this way.

Thanks in advance.

Model: Pavilion 542x

OS: XP Home

[bart of borg]

This is from their web site......

Starting the System Recovery program from the recovery partitionback to top of page

Performing the steps in this section will run the System Recovery program from the recovery partition on your hard disk drive. This is option is not available if you have already removed the system recovery partition.

There are two options for system recovery:

      System Recovery (default mode):
          o Recovers your PC to factory shipped condition.
          o Recovers applications, drivers, and operating system.
          o Applications and drivers you installed need to be reinstalled.
          o Does not touch your data files.

      Destructive System Recovery
          o Reformats user partition.
          o Recovers applications, drivers, and operating system.
          o Applications and drivers you installed need to be reinstalled.
          o Wipes out data files.

            NOTE: Be sure to backup your data files before running a Destructive Recovery. 

   1.

      Insert the Recovery Tools CD.
   2.

      Click OK to restart the PC using the Recovery Tools CD.
   3.

      Select Start System Recovery program from the recovery partition and click OK the Next button.
   4.

      Click the Next button at the main menu.
   5.

      Click the Next button on the following two screens to restart the PC and open the System Recovery program.
   6.

      To perform a default mode System Recovery, click the Next button.

      Or

      To perform a Destructive System Recovery, click the Advanced Options button.
   7.

      Continue to click the Next button until the System Recovery Program of your choice runs.
   8.

      Remove the Recovery Tools CD and restart your PC.

Looks like you need a tools CD...if you don't have it your pooched.....

[epic]

Call them. They will send you a recovery CD.

You may have gotten a better response in Hardware hangout.

[shof515]

My hp has this partition and when i did a Destructive System Recovery,it did not assk for no cds

[DevHead]

Thanks for the info. That's very strange that HP is saying two things (or so it seems to me):

1. You don't need a CD (from my quote)

2. You do need a Recovery Tools CD (from bart of borg's quote)

Is HP confused? Or am I?

Well, how do I get into that partition? Is there a special key combination that will let me get there? Of course, this is assuming no CD is needed.

[dennxyz]

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/documen...ocname=bph07145

Boot the machine, at the HP screen, press F10 key repeatedly. a recovery screen should come up.

[Looneyboy784]

sometimes i wish my hard drive had a recovery partition that i could setup. Untill they make softwaare that can do that i guss im stuck with ghost.

[DevHead]

Thank you! I will try that and see if this will help my uncle.