Hidden Partition

[Guest]

I have a PC with my copy of XP installed on a hidden partition. I wish to
format my hard disk and re-install windows. How can I put my XP on a disc and
remove the partition?? I cant see the partition when booting from dos. I have
tried partition magic, which crashes on loading with a msg about a "dodgy
partition config" not the exact msg but it was a while ago I tried that
The PC is from "Time coputers" if that makes a difference.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[Mark L. Ferguson]

You can do it, but it may help you to understand what you would have if you did. Assuming you boot to some CD disk, (like BARTPE or
other method) you could see the files on the partition, and make a copy to a network drive, or other media, the problem is the
format of the setup media. SYSPREP is used by OEM sellers to create an 'image' of the installed OS. It not only expects the drive
letters to remain the same, it expects all hardware to be unchanged. It's jut not the same media you get with a 'standard' MS XP
setup CD. There is no setup INF file that you might hack to change the setup, like might be true if the OEM setup were a standard
winnt32.exe type setup.

 

[Alex Nichol]

I have a PC with my copy of XP installed on a hidden partition. I wish to
format my hard disk and re-install windows. How can I put my XP on a disc and
remove the partition?

On such machines, eg HP Compaq, you should leave that partition alone.
See the manual for the key to hit at power on in order to enter the
reinstall to ex-factory state (so back up data, which will be lost).
Try F10

 

[Stickems.]

Clear as mud.


| You can do it, but it may help you to understand what you would have if
you did. Assuming you boot to some CD disk, (like BARTPE or
| other method) you could see the files on the partition, and make a copy to
a network drive, or other media, the problem is the
| format of the setup media. SYSPREP is used by OEM sellers to create an
'image' of the installed OS. It not only expects the drive
| letters to remain the same, it expects all hardware to be unchanged. It's
jut not the same media you get with a 'standard' MS XP
| setup CD. There is no setup INF file that you might hack to change the
setup, like might be true if the OEM setup were a standard
| winnt32.exe type setup.
|
| --
|
| Mark L. Ferguson (NOT an MS-MVP)
| FAQ for MS AntiSpy http://www.geocities.com/marfer_mvp/FAQ_MSantispy.txt
| marfers notes for windows xp
http://www.geocities.com/marfer_mvp/chatNotes.htm
| .
| >I have a PC with my copy of XP installed on a hidden partition. I wish to
| > format my hard disk and re-install windows. How can I put my XP on a
disc and
| > remove the partition?? I cant see the partition when booting from dos. I
have
| > tried partition magic, which crashes on loading with a msg about a
"dodgy
| > partition config" not the exact msg but it was a while ago I tried that

| > The PC is from "Time coputers" if that makes a difference.
| >
| > Any suggestions would be appreciated.
|
|

 

[Mark L. Ferguson]

If so, hacking an OEM setup is not within your skill level. You should seek local advice, or acquire a system that provides a setup
CD.