Cloning laptop hard drive - hidden partition

[kwinsw]

Hi,

I have to clone two laptops. Both have hidden partitions of a few megs at the start of their hard disks. I’ve seen this before and I know they won’t work without the hidden partition, but I don’t know what it’s for.

Can anyone tell me what’s on these partitions? Also, can I simply clone and copy them to the start of the new hard drives (in front of the Windows’ partitions), or is there more to it than that?

Many Thanks

KWINSW

 

[rvnguy]

kwinsw,

If I am reading your post correctly, these are usually placed there by the computer mfg. They contain the required files to restore the OS, as these usually come with an "OEM" OS with no CD.

To my knowledge, there is nothing therre that would prevent function but do you want to lose the included OS and have to purchase a retail OS?

Answer to your second question: That is what I would do, Clone the entire drive, hidden and active.

rvnguy
"I know everything..I just can't remember it all

 

[Santei]

Hi,
Acronis True Image will backup everything from your laptop.
The information on the hidden partitin could contain data from laptop provider. HP used to do it.