Considering deleting the Dell Restore partition

I don't plan on backing it up, and I'm also going to be doing a clean install in the next few weeks. I'd rather have the hard drive space available now, but is there any risk associated with this plan? Is the restore partition actually needed if I've had zero problems with my notebook?

 

The only thing that partition is good for is installing your OS, drivers, and bloatware that were initially on your system. If you have your own CDs, updated drivers downloaded, and all the programs you'll want/need, you can easily destroy that recovery partition without ill effects.

 

get rid of it...unless ur the paranoid type that likes to back up everything...if u have the OS disc, u have nothing to worry about.

 

I have recently done a few clean installs of Vista on my system. I am glad I kept the restore partition. I had to restore the factory image to get some program and subscription info since Dell did not send me all the software backups. Maybe try the reinstall and see how it goes before you delete the restore. You can always delete it later......

 

Check the driver versions against what you get from the dell site. I just found that they loaded a version of the Broadcom 440x ethernet driver that is newer than the one on the site. I'll post it up here shortly since I'm sure that others might be interested...

 

sqwarlock,
If you call Dell and tell them you wish to install a bigger hard drive into your system and ask (nicely) for them to send you the OS disk and drivers disks,
you shud get them without a problem (I did).

I then summarily deleted the restore partition and gave its space back to the system. I then used Acronis True Image to make my own backup image of the system after ridding it of all Dell installed junk.

See this web site for info on Dell restore partition and how to kill it, etc.
http://www.goodells.net/dellrestore/index.htm

It is for Dell Desktop PCs but shud apply to Dell Notebooks as well if they have the same setup as far as partitions go: 1 hidden utility partition,
1 hidden restore partition, 1 main OS partition -- Drive "C".

I used it to get rid of both the hidden partitions on my Dell desktop bought in December.

Good luck!
CP

 

Can ne’one suggest how to tweak windows vista home premium, so tat I don’t have to do a clean install. I was installing PC Decrapifier v1.7.1 beta 2 on the laptop and as soon as I re-booted I received some sort of error (blue screen). Windows needed to fix file before it could proceed further. Now some of the bloatware is gone (hated roxio), and it boots a lil faster. I am not sure bout a lot of stuff on the recovery partion drive 2 , dell knows what crap they have put in it. If any one could suggest how to optimize vista home premium for better performance it would be very much appreciated.

 

When u sell ur laptop to someone, it will benifit u

 

If you have the OS disk I would just delete that parttion