Tom's Hardware > Forum > Windows 7 > Windows 7 General Discussion > Hidden partition in new hdd install
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jobz000   10-29-2009 at 09:03:57 AM

If you install win7 on a new hdd, I understand it will create a 100MB hidden partition to hold critical system files. What exactly is its purpose, compared to say, System Restore?


Message edited by jobz000 on 10-29-2009 at 09:16:31 AM
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505090   10-29-2009 at 09:27:02 AM

drive partitions and file structure information to the best of my knowledge, kinda a middle ground between bios and the os

system restore takes up immensely more space and is used to bring your computer back to a previous state including all data and software

------------------------------ E8400 : GA-EP35-DS3L : mushkin 4GB DDR2 800 : HD 2600PRO : 450W ATX12V : Windows 7
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ijack   10-29-2009 at 09:32:32 AM

The hidden partition holds the Windows Recovery Environment to assist you when things go wrong. If you are confident that things won't go wrong, and it's taking up a significant proportion of your hard disk then you can avoid it during installation. But if one or two hundred MB is a significant proportion of your hard disk I would suggest that you need a bigger drive.

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jobz000   10-29-2009 at 09:45:00 AM

No, I'm ok w/ the disk space. I'm just curious what it brings over System Restore. I have used System Restore successfully in the past to revive xp after installing an erratic driver or app. Plus I image my boot partition regularly.

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ijack   10-29-2009 at 10:34:50 AM

It's mainly for when you can't even boot into Windows to use System Restore. If your image software will work by itself, without having to go into Windows, it's probably an acceptable substitute. But, as with any backup regime, you would be wise to test it before you have to use it in earnest. There are valid reasons, other than space, why you might not want another partition, but if this doesn't pertain I would be inclined to leave it.


Message edited by ijack on 10-29-2009 at 10:36:03 AM
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daship   10-30-2009 at 05:54:06 AM

I always format right so I dont get the extra partition.

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