Active@Disk Image question

As a backup or imaging noobie can someone answer this question? When I am creating a new image with AD, I am presented with a picture of my HD which looks pretty much like this:
Disk 0 139768
DELL utility 1 pri 39MB FAT16
Recovery 2 pri Act 214GB NTFS
OS C: pri 1382GB

Should I check off all 4 items to image or just OS C: to get an image that will restore my computer to its working configuration? Thanks in advance.
P.S. I don't want or know how to create partitions where I would move files to image, I just want to create a simple image that will restore when I need it.

 

I'd day backup everything at least once...the Dell partitions won't change so it wouldn't hurt to back them up at least once, assuming you have the space to do it. The C: drive is the big one...I am assuming this isn't Windows 7 as there is no System Reserved partition listed (or maybe you removed it previously).

 

Thanks for your response. Yes it's WIN7 64x. I haven't removed anything, what I have listed is what appears on the image page to be checked off.

 

Sure. For your first image I would do the whole disk, although the image itself in a way renders the Dell recovery partition useless as the image will be more up to date than the factory image stored on that partition, but it is a good last resort if your image was bad, etc.

 

The only partition can be safely removed is the "Dell Utility", that is used for running diagnostics. These diagnostics can also be run from a CD o USB key.

The Recovery partition contains the factory image, which may be not necessary. But it can also contain information for booting Windows 7 (that is, it can also be the System Reserved partition). Check what partition, Recovery or C, is the "active" one. If it is Recovery, it can´t be removed.

 

Yes, it is very important to find out which partition is active, if one wants to use FDISR on Windows 7 x64.

To find out which partition is active, right click on "My Computer" and select manage, and from there find out which partition is active.

This is the first step in getting closer to your "better than Christmas present".

Best regards,

aladdin.

 

It looks like the Recovery partition is the Active primary partition looking at Disk management.

 

twl845,

This is a typical Dell system with the booting files in the Recovery partition. It makes life difficult as you have to "backup the backup". As Robin mentioned, the factory image may no longer be needed as you are using ADI.

I've helped friends with this setup. I copy the booting files to the Win7 partition and then delete the Recovery partition. The space can be used for something else.

 

Dear twl845,

What Brian K is posted below is correct and the rest of the answer to your question about FDISR which you raised in HDS forum, I have posted the answer there.

 

Thanks Brian for the heads up. Would it be OK to leave it as is and be able to do images of my HD that could be restored as is? I don't have the computer savvy you guys have and I'm afraid to start moving and deleting things in the system.

 

Sure. Do one image of the Recovery partition and one image of the Utility partition. Those partitions don't change and don't need to be imaged again. If you ever need to restore your 3 images to a new HD, remember the Win7 partition is not the Active partition. If Win7 ever develops a software problem on your current HD you only have to restore the Win7 image. Not the other two images.

If you need help moving out the booting files, just ask. The method is similar to here....

http://www.terabyteunlimited.com/kb/article.php?id=409

 

OK thanks for the info and offer.

 

One more question please. I am preparing to possibly install Rollback Rx on my computer and am wondering if it plays well with Active @ Disk Image.

 

Dear Brian,

Thank you, the above are some excellent suggestions and recommendations for the efficient use a PC.

As usual, the guru on imaging and best way to ensure the safety of a PC.

Best regards,

KOR!

P.S. The link to the TeraByte is excellent.