When one buys a laptop these days, there is typically a hidden partition which contains a bootable image that will restore the remaining partitions back to their original factory contents. I need to replicate this functionallity.... Windows Backup is fine for creating an image, but having to boot off of a recover disk [which does not even get built with the appropriate drivers necessary] is not acceptable (this is an industrial machine, without removable media), and it does not appear that Windows will do an image restore when the image is on the same harddrive. I have posted on other boards, and have gotten no viable responsed. It was recommended I post here.....hopefully someone will have some good suggestions, if not an outright solution...Microsoft MVP / ALM Ranger

1. Laptops/notebook/netbook vendors has their own proprietary solution that recovers default installation (in my "old" MSI netbook it is F3 choice during computer startup that recovers system to default one). 2. If your disk has one system and one boot partition, then there is an option to recover over network (either native MS image and WinPE, or third party like Symantec Ghost) 3. Look into WAIK documentation for recovery partition http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dd744373(v=ws.10).aspx Regards Milos

Milos, Thanks for the response. I know the result will be a proprietary solution for my company, just like for the laptop vendors. Network is not an option (these are industrial tools, almost "embedded systems" they Windows 7 but are quite locked down). The link for WAIK looks like it has some more elements.Microsoft MVP / ALM Ranger

Hi, Windows 7 system image also can be stored on local hard disk. A system image can be used to restore your PC. But its unsafe because if the disk fails, you will lose your backups. Go to control Panel\Backup And Restore\Create a system image Regards, Leo Huang TechNet Subscriber Support If you are TechNet Subscription user and have any feedback on our support quality, please send your feedback here.Leo Huang TechNet Community Support

Hi, Hows everything going on? Please feel free to give me your update. Thanks. Regards, Leo Huang TechNet Subscriber Support If you are TechNet Subscription user and have any feedback on our support quality, please send your feedback here.Leo Huang TechNet Community Support

Alas, there has been no help on ANY of the Microsoft Forums. Responses similar to your previous post abound, but are not sufficient. Yes, one can create the system image....But there is no support for then being able to add a boot configuration, so that simple selecting that configuration launches a restore process (after a confirmation UI). As I have repeatedly said, I need to aquire the ability to to the exact same thing that Asus, Del and other vendors to have a complete turnkey restoration that involves no external media (not even a boot CD) to restore the machine to the original factory condition. Since it appears that Microsoft does not have this capability using the standard Windows tools, or available SDK's [I am a MSDN Universal/Untimate Subscriber], and I have not been able to find a vendor that sels a product that would allow for the creation of the same without liensing being involved on a per system basis; I have determined that my company will have to develop it in house. Once completed, I expect that other OEMS (especially botique companies that spcialize in low quantity, but highly specialized systems) will be very interested in purchasing, allowing my firm to recoup some of the development costs.Microsoft MVP / ALM Ranger

Hi David, Actaully we can use Windows Recovery Environment (Windows RE) to do an image restore without DVD boot disk. I have a laptop installed Windows 7. A system volume which Windows installed and a data volume D. 1. I create a system image backup using Windows built-in Backup and Restore feature to volume D and make some changes on system volume. 2. Restart the computer and press F8 at startup, and choose "Repair Your Computer". 3. Select a keyboard or an input method, and then click Next. Choose the local administrator account and input password. 4. Choose "System Image Recovery" at "System Recovery Options" window. Follow the tip to restore system image. For more information about Windows RE, please see: Configure Windows Recovery Environment (Windows RE) http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dd744388(v=WS.10).aspx I hope this information helps. Thanks. Please remember to click Mark as Answer on the post that helps you, and to click Unmark as Answer if a marked post does not actually answer your question. This can be beneficial to other community members reading the thread.

Hi David, I am checking in to see if there is any update. Thanks. Please remember to click Mark as Answer on the post that helps you, and to click Unmark as Answer if a marked post does not actually answer your question. This can be beneficial to other community members reading the thread.

Hi, As this thread has been quiet for a while, we assume that the issue has been resolved. At this time, we will mark it as Answered as the previous steps should be helpful for many similar scenarios. If the issue still persists, please feel free to reply this post directly so we will be notified to follow it up. You can also choose to unmark the answer as you wish. BTW, wed love to hear your feedback about the solution. By sharing your experience you can help other community members facing similar problems. Thanks for your understanding and efforts. Regards, Leo Huang TechNet Subscriber Support If you are TechNet Subscription user and have any feedback on our support quality, please send your feedback here.Leo Huang TechNet Community Support