semi-off-topic, secure zone

[aoz]

to all,
this is semi-TI related, and semi-not

I have an acer T135. Has SATA drive in it., with partitions c:, d:, e:
I used TI to do a backup. Acer has its OWN secure zone, taking up 4 gig space. I see that when I do the backup.

I don't want ANY secure zone; If I backup the hard drive, I don't need the secure zone (backup kept off-site)

How can I blow this partition away (CAN I ?), and then keep the current partitions, and use possibly Disk Director to move the partition (EXPAND the C: partition) into the free space (keeping its current data?) I emailed Acer, never get any reply on their secure zone

thanks
Nick

[Vart]

Technically this partition can be removed with Acronis Disk Director Suite and space can be added to your C drive.

However there are some possible issues:

1) This partition is Acer system recovery partition with reserve windows installation files and settings and etc. You will not be able to use Acer system recovery option.
2) Partitions order. For example, this zone is the first partiton (1-1) and your C is the second one (1-2). You've deleted this secure partition and your C drive is now the first one, but the boot.ini is pointing to the second partition in the OS boot order. So...You will need to fix the boot.ini file and may be MBR.
3) In not sure if warranty can be affected then you're removing this secure partition.

[aoz]

Vart,
thanks for reply.
those were my concerns, and why I have not deleted it yet.

re: their recovery; I did make the full DVD that they recommended, so I do have the actual recovery disks to start from scratch.

re: the NEED for recovery; not really needed, though, because if I have full current image with Acronis, I'd never go back to a clean install

re: the partition order; that was my biggest concern.

Can disk Director edit the boot.ini order (I've used trueImage frequently, but I haven't used Disk director much (have version 9)

Any other feedback appreciated.
Nick

[Vart]

-{ Quote: "V

re: the partition order; that was my biggest concern.

Can disk Director edit the boot.ini order (I've used trueImage frequently, but I haven't used Disk director much (have version 9)
" }-

Acronis Disk Director Suite 10.0 Bootable Media will allow you to edit boot.ini file, so it will be easy to fix partition order.

I'm to lazy to describe in details the whole process (I'm hoping that you know how to edit boot.ini and set the correct partition order).

If you have no idea about this issue I will answer you with details.

Edited: I've found that you're using Acronis Disk Director Suite 9.0. I'm afraid that there is no such feature in Acronis Disk Director Suite 9.0, so you should upgrade your DD to the latest version or use alternative ways (Windows Bootable Installation CD for example, but this way is a bit harder)

Edited2 (As usuall, the best idea is coming after posting the answer): You can add additional string to boot.ini file within Windows environment and this step will allow you to boot your computer up after removing the 'security' partition.

For example security partition is the (1-1), C drive is (1-2) you can add the string that will allow you to boot WinXp from partition (1-1) this idea should work.

[aoz]

Vart,
thanks for reply.

I will probably upgrade to Disk director 10; I'm in no rush to change the drive; I'll get to it eventually.
My main project right now is working with encryption (trying to get a solid method of recovering the actual drive layout, to an image) for disaster recovery.
See some of my other threads on here (under AOZ).

I just got the Acer T135 as a spare machine, to work withh video projects (converted/captured about 500 tv show's, with a tv tuner attached; old twilight zone, turner classics, etc).
It was a bare-bones Circuit City machine, and it works great.

Again, replies appreciated.
I will boot up to Disk director 9 and look at structure a little more, then probably get ver.10 and fix it

re: windows environment, I'd like to build the BartPE disk sometime; there are just not enough hours in the day....... :-(

This forum is fantastic for feedback by users, also.

thanks
Nick