Recovery partition is there but recovery won't start

[Peter_Rob]

Hi,

When trying to restore the factory image (F11 during boot), the laptop seems like it is trying to boot the missing Windows installation (Windows boot manager error page).

The partitions "SYSTEM", "HP_RECOVERY" and "HP_TOOLS" have not been touched. The ~15 GB recovery files are still there!

The Windows partition (2nd primary) has been deleted and recreated as an NTFS partition. Since then the recovery process will not start.

How can I restore the system from my intact HP_RECOVERY partition without using recovery DVDs? (I can't access them right now.)

Does the Windows partition need some specific disk label? What is the magic that breaks the recovery when a NTFS partition is simply deleted and recreated?

Peter

[erico]

HI,

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Peter_Rob wrote:

Hi,

When trying to restore the factory image (F11 during boot), the laptop seems like it is trying to boot the missing Windows installation (Windows boot manager error page).

The partitions "SYSTEM", "HP_RECOVERY" and "HP_TOOLS" have not been touched. The ~15 GB recovery files are still there!

The Windows partition (2nd primary) has been deleted and recreated as an NTFS partition. Since then the recovery process will not start.

How can I restore the system from my intact HP_RECOVERY partition without using recovery DVDs? (I can't access them right now.)

Does the Windows partition need some specific disk label? What is the magic that breaks the recovery when a NTFS partition is simply deleted and recreated?

Peter

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Please identify your notebook. Look at the barcoded sticker on the bottom of the notebook and post everything you see there except the serial number.

If you format your notebook´s hard disk without cloning an image externally you are essentially removing your ability to use the recovery partition.  

Once you identify your notebook I will look to see what is available in terms of drivers and software for your notebook.

Best regards,
erico

[HaggisCat]

@ Peter_Rob

 Right click on "Computer" and then go to "Manage"

In that window go to "Disc Management" in the left column.

Find your HP Recovery Partition and right click on it and mark it as "Active", ignore the warning sign and continue. Close all windows.

 Shut the laptop right down and boot up, do not use restart. That should get the recovery process working.

Have the adapter plugged in when doing this.

[Peter_Rob]

Hi erico,

I added the model to my signature. Simply forgot it...

Peter

[Peter_Rob]

Hi HaggisCat,

I set the bootable flag using a Linux live CD as I cannot boot Windows. The result is the same as pressing F11 during startup: Windows Boot Manager error page.

[Peter_Rob]

erico,

One more thing. You wrote "if I format my notebook's hard disk". Just to prevent misunderstandings: I did not format the whole hard disk. It is only the Windows partition that has been recreated. The other three partition (HP_RECOVERY, HP_TOOLS and SYSTEM) haven't been formatted.

[erico]

Hi Peter,

Thanks.

You might be able to get it to work by using EasyBCD. From what I read you will have to give the recovery partition a drive letter and add it as an option in easyBCD.

BTW...EasyBCD is not for beginners or even novices unless they are willing to read up on it. It is an advanced tool. Check out the EasyBCD forum for advice.

Best regards,
erico

[erico]

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Peter_Rob wrote:

erico,

One more thing. You wrote "if I format my notebook's hard disk". Just to prevent misunderstandings: I did not format the whole hard disk. It is only the Windows partition that has been recreated. The other three partition (HP_RECOVERY, HP_TOOLS and SYSTEM) haven't been formatted.

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If you format any partition on the hard drive it removes the active flag for the recovery partition and then F11 won't  invoke the Recovery Manager during a startup of the notebook.

Best regards,
erico

[Peter_Rob]

Is "active" the same as setting the "boot" flag?

When HP_RECOVERY has the boot flag, normal startup ends with the Windows Boot Manager error page. Just like before when hitting F11.

Without the flag it gives me "BOOTMGR is missing". Well, the Windows partition is empty...

I will have a look at EasyBCD. Thanks for the moment.

[erico]

HI,

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Peter_Rob wrote:

Is "active" the same as setting the "bootable" flag? Yes

When HP_RECOVERY has the bootable flag, normal startup ends with the Windows Boot Manager error page. Just like before when hitting F11.

Without the flag it gives me "BOOTMGR is missing". Well, the Windows partition is empty...

I will have a look at EasyBCD. Thanks for the moment.

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Here is an interesting thread at another forum about the same isue you are having and using EasyBCD.

Best regards,
erico