Dell Utility (47 MB)
Symantec PC Restore (4.16 GB)
Primary Windows Partition (50.28 GB)
As for the 8MB of unallocated space. Every computer I have ever seen running an NTFS file system has that. I believe it's just something the NTFS FS does by design--leaving 8MB unallocated. Even if you erase the entire master boot record and all the partitions--the windows xp installer will leave exactly 8 MB unallocated. Your 47MB partion is obviously Dell Utilities for diagnostics and other handy tools for tech support, the ~3GB partion is the Symantec PC restore, and the 109GB partition is your primary Windows partition.
Dell Utility should appear as first partion on the drive in an EISA Configured FAT16 (plain FAT) partition. Symantec PC Restore varies in size but will be the last partition on the drive. It will appear as Unknown. Both Unknown and EISA mean it was configured by an OEM and is locked from being edited from within Windows itself. I can't explain why you have two of those 8MB unallocated spaces though. I haven't seen that before.
I highly recommend thinking twice about wiping out the hard disk. Do you have physical copies of the OEM install CDs yet. All of the software and drivers discs and notebook system software disc and discs for the preinstalled software like your virus scanner and Sonic CD/DVD if you have it. Get into contact with Dell about getting those shipped to you for free before you go wiping the system out.
Addendum: If you have your own copy of Symantec Ghost, I recommend spending $15 and buying a 2.5" SerialATA external hard drive enclosure that connects to another PC (your desktop) through USB 2.0 or Firewire and making a complete ghost image of the drive. The partition tables in the MBR, everything, before acting. It could be extremely useful someday, trust me on that.
All right, I'll make an image of my hard drive before I wipe everything clean (except for the Dell Utility). I've got the WinXP CD that I ordered with my notebook and the Dell CD with the drivers. Those two should be enough if I just want my notebook to have a fresh OS and the drivers for the hardware, right? I don't want any of the pre-installed software that shipped with it.
All right, I'll make an image of my hard drive before I wipe everything clean (except for the Dell Utility). I've got the WinXP CD that I ordered with my notebook and the Dell CD with the drivers. Those two should be enough if I just want my notebook to have a fresh OS and the drivers for the hardware, right? I don't want any of the pre-installed software that shipped with it.
Not good enough. It must be done via Symantec Ghost DOS execute.
Disk --> To Image --> Disk your backing up --> Destination (USB2.0 HD)
If you do not do it this way, you risk altering the Dell MBR and the Symantec PC restore partions ability to operate. It is not Symantec's fault Dell put together such a terrible hacked restore system. Symantec really does make a good product but Dell crippled it to no end and if you alter even one byte in partion sizing it will error out and system go KABOOM! Backup the entire drive to a ghost image...Including the partition table and MBR. And then run integrity checks.
Outvit
2 Intern
•
135 Posts
0
August 12th, 2006 18:00
Dell Utility (47 MB)
Symantec PC Restore (4.16 GB)
Primary Windows Partition (50.28 GB)
As for the 8MB of unallocated space. Every computer I have ever seen running an NTFS file system has that. I believe it's just something the NTFS FS does by design--leaving 8MB unallocated. Even if you erase the entire master boot record and all the partitions--the windows xp installer will leave exactly 8 MB unallocated. Your 47MB partion is obviously Dell Utilities for diagnostics and other handy tools for tech support, the ~3GB partion is the Symantec PC restore, and the 109GB partition is your primary Windows partition.
Dell Utility should appear as first partion on the drive in an EISA Configured FAT16 (plain FAT) partition. Symantec PC Restore varies in size but will be the last partition on the drive. It will appear as Unknown. Both Unknown and EISA mean it was configured by an OEM and is locked from being edited from within Windows itself. I can't explain why you have two of those 8MB unallocated spaces though. I haven't seen that before.
I highly recommend thinking twice about wiping out the hard disk. Do you have physical copies of the OEM install CDs yet. All of the software and drivers discs and notebook system software disc and discs for the preinstalled software like your virus scanner and Sonic CD/DVD if you have it. Get into contact with Dell about getting those shipped to you for free before you go wiping the system out.
Addendum: If you have your own copy of Symantec Ghost, I recommend spending $15 and buying a 2.5" SerialATA external hard drive enclosure that connects to another PC (your desktop) through USB 2.0 or Firewire and making a complete ghost image of the drive. The partition tables in the MBR, everything, before acting. It could be extremely useful someday, trust me on that.
Message Edited by Outvit on 08-12-200603:02 PM
Tempest Storm
2 Posts
0
August 13th, 2006 16:00
Outvit
2 Intern
•
135 Posts
0
August 13th, 2006 21:00
Not good enough. It must be done via Symantec Ghost DOS execute.
Disk --> To Image --> Disk your backing up --> Destination (USB2.0 HD)
If you do not do it this way, you risk altering the Dell MBR and the Symantec PC restore partions ability to operate. It is not Symantec's fault Dell put together such a terrible hacked restore system. Symantec really does make a good product but Dell crippled it to no end and if you alter even one byte in partion sizing it will error out and system go KABOOM! Backup the entire drive to a ghost image...Including the partition table and MBR. And then run integrity checks.
You can use Acronis TrueImage as well.