Windows 10: Question about Recovery Drive

I have a primary drive which is 500 GB - I would like to split it so that I can use half for OS and half for data.

I made a recovery USB (before I split the drive) and I would like to know that if I restore whether the disk partition will go back to how it was when the recovery drive was made.

Conversely if I made a new Recovery USB now that my drive is split in to 2 volumes C: and D: whether data on D: would be retained when restoring C: using the Recovery stick.

:)

 

Recovery Drive Questions

I created a usb recovery drive and have some questions. Appreciate the help.

Does the recovery drive contain information specific to the PC on which it was created? Or, can I just use it on any Win10 machine assuming it is 32 or 64 bit? Drivers, user accounts and settings, registry, is this all on the usb recovery drive?

Will I still need the activation code or is that on the usb recovery drive?

Other than the recovery drive, is the a recommended backup procedure? Obviously my user account folders but I guess I'm looking for a way to restore Windows and not have to reload all my software and settings.

 

Recovery Drive Questions

Hi Michael,

Please be informed that if you run into problems with your PC, a USB recovery drive can help you troubleshoot and fix those problems, even if your PC won't start.

Your PC might have come with a recovery image that’s used to refresh or reset your PC. The recovery image is stored on a dedicated recovery partition on your PC, and is typically 3-6 GB in size. To save space on your PC, you can delete the recovery image
from your PC and use a recovery drive instead. Windows 10 includes a built-in tool to create a USB recovery drive. Windows will let you know how big the recovery partition is, and you'll need a USB flash drive at least that big.

For further information please refer to the article below:

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-8/create-usb-recovery-drive

Please post back if you need further assistance regarding recovery drive we will be happy to assist you.

Thank you.

 

If I understand recovery usb correctly, it should not affect your D, data, partition. Now, if that recovery means a factory restore, then, everything done since that factory roll-out will exist no more. Tell us more about the recovery usb, how was it make?

 

The USB recovery was made using the windows 10 utility. So what you are saying is that the C drive will be recovered and any other partition left.... I'll check this out in the morning by means of a test.

 

If you use the recovery drive to reset the HDD back to factory settings ---
You must select - Keep current partitions....
Otherwise it WILL remove your data.....

It is always best to use another drive for your data...

even recreating the recovery drive after creating the data partition - will still remove the data partition...

So be very careful when using the windows utility created recovery drive...

Best to make backup images of the complete HDD using Macrium Reflect Free > Macrium Software | Macrium Reflect Free

 

How do I "Keep Current Partitions" ? I don't see this option.

I am going into Recovery mode >> Then "Choose the language" >> "Choose Keyboard layout" >> "Troubleshoot" > "Recover from a Drive"

Then I am presented with 2 options:

Just remove my files (Use this if you're keeping your PC)

and

Fully Clean the drive (Use this if you'll recycle the PC)

If I take "Just remove my files" then the next page says "If you've repartitioned your system drive, this will restore its default partitions"

 

Just remove my files (Use this if you're keeping your PC)

then I believe it is the next option or two...

there is a last chance option to confirm before any process starts...

your are still at the Q&A stage..

 

I ran a quick test today and there is no such option. I can see a "Reset this PC" which I guess might be what you mean ? But this looks to be more of a reset as opposed to a restore which is what I am after in case of a true catastrophe.

 

Best way is what was posted by Kyhi. Make a complete disc image (backup) to a separate drive using Macrium Reflect.

That should be done on a periodic basis. Its not for IF a backup will ever be needed, its for WHEN its needed.

Partitioning the same physical hard drive so part of it is recovery is dangerous. If the hard drive fails then your "backup" is also gone - you have nothing.