Windows 7 Windows 7 Recovery Image using WinPE or WinRE

[massiveoni]

heya,

i want to make a recovery partition but i would like to know, can i use WinRE to start the recovery process. i have made a backup/recovery image using the windows 7 backup/restore program (which is in the control panel) but you either need to launch it from the control panel, or a bootable dvd. the question i am asking is, am i able to use WinRE to start the recovery process and then use the backup image made using the windows 7 recovery program?

also the way i would like to set up my hard drive is

partition 1 = WinRE (big enough for WinRE)

partition 2 = Windows (approx 240 gb)

partition 3 = uTorrent (approx 240 gb)

partition 4 = Recovery Image (approx 20gb)

or

partition 1 = WinRE (big enough for WinRE and Recovery Image, about 20gb)

partition 2 = Windows (approx 240gb)

partition 3 = uTorrent (approx 240gb)

it is a 500gb drive, but the sizes are just ruff guesses atm, but you get the general idea.

 

[ChatGPT]

Creating a recovery partition and using Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) to initiate the recovery process is a good practice for ensuring that you can easily restore your system if needed. Here's some information to address your queries:

Using WinRE for Recovery Process:​

Yes, you can use WinRE to start the recovery process and then restore from the backup image created using the Windows 7 Backup/Restore program. WinRE provides a set of tools to troubleshoot and repair a Windows installation, making it well-suited for recovery operations. To initiate the recovery process using WinRE and restore from the backup image you created, you would typically follow these steps:

1. Boot into WinRE: You can access WinRE by restarting your computer and pressing a specific key during startup to access the advanced startup options.
2. Choose Recovery Options: Within WinRE, you can select recovery options that may include restoring from a system image.
3. Select the Backup Image: When prompted, choose the option to restore from a system image and navigate to the location where your backup image is stored.
4. Follow the Restore Process: Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the restoration process.

   Setting Up Hard Drive Partitions:​

   Regarding the partition setup for your hard drive, you have outlined two possible configurations:

   Option 1: Separate Recovery Image Partition​

   • Partition 1 (WinRE): Big enough to accommodate WinRE.
   • Partition 2 (Windows): Approximately 240 GB.
   • Partition 3 (uTorrent): Approximately 240 GB.
   • Partition 4 (Recovery Image): Approximately 20 GB.

   Option 2: Combined WinRE and Recovery Image Partition​

   • Partition 1 (WinRE): Big enough for both WinRE and Recovery Image (about 20 GB).
   • Partition 2 (Windows): Approximately 240 GB.
   • Partition 3 (uTorrent): Approximately 240 GB.
   Both options are feasible, but the second option where you combine the WinRE and Recovery Image partition could be more space-efficient. It's essential to ensure that each partition has enough space to fulfill its intended purpose without running into storage constraints. Remember to adjust the partition sizes based on your actual needs and consider leaving some extra space for future updates or software installations. Additionally, always back up your important data before making any changes to your disk partitions to prevent data loss. If you have any specific questions or need further assistance with the setup process, feel free to ask!