Clean format/ OS 8.1 retail fresh install while keeping the OEM partitions intact, will it work???

[Lonnie Bruhn]

This was originally posted in the wrong area so I had the admin remove it so I could move it here to storage instead Sorry if you had read this already There is no double thread now, this is the only one

I have done a great deal of research to find the answer to my particular situation with no luck. So I decided to ask it here to the community before proceeding. This is my first post here, hello to you all and thank you in advance for your input.

I also apologize for the lengthy posting but the details are important and I am hoping this will be a topic that can help others.

Before I begin, I should mention , I do know the difference between an OEM version, upgraded version, and retail version. I also understand each of their advantages and limitations regarding Microsoft licencing .

Here is what I am working on. I am fixing a computer for a friend and they are requesting a clean install of windows 8.1 on the primary C: drive but not from their recovery option

Note: This is the same system they had before. The only thing wrong with it is plagued with viruses. Their OEM key associated to the motherboard is still embedded because the system is still the same original parts from the factory.

What they really want is a fine tuning and optimized performance after the new install. I was thinking of doing a clean install of the retail Windows 8.1 version it has none of the bloatware associated with the OEM version. Then continuing to fine tune it from their. They requested it to be done this way if possible.

Since their OEM recovery partitions are separate from their C Partition, I was thinking I could format Primary C:/ and then install the retail ISO version of Windows 8.1. After that I would apply either their Windows product ID or their OEM key . I have both so whichever would be better.

A few details about the system and partition structure. This laptop is a touchscreen too.I

• 
  They have no critical data to recover. It is basically new other than the virus their child put on.. It is his computer. However, I have backed up the D:/ partition (See below).

There are 4 separate partitions to this system. Which I have never seen, but I'm also not very familiar with Windows 8.

They are listed as I see it in storage management from Left to right:

• 
  1000 MB Recovery Partition (Not Labeled)
  260 MB EFI SYSTEM Partition (Not Labeled )
  1000 MB OEM Partition (Not Labeled)
  424.24 GB C:/ OS Partition (Primary)
  25.00 GB D:/ (Lenovo) (Primary)
  14.9 GB (Recovery Partition)( {Not Labeled)

I am assuming the 14.9 GB is the actual recovery image itself just by it's size.


The D:/ Lenovo drive holds all the OEM Lenovo applications and drivers for the system and this partition can be explored. I also know one of the partitions holds the one touch recovery software. I think this partition was only made to isolate the installation from the install exe found on the D:/ drive.


The EFI partition holds the EFI firmware boot structure. I can't remember what the other last non-labeled partition holds off hand. I would need to boot back into Linux to look again. I do believe all but the D:/ drive have boot folders..


Here are my questions:

1: If I format the C:/ partition using D-ban. Then afterwards install a new windows 8.1 using my usb ISO, should I use the Windows product ID or the OEM CD key to make it genuine? Or would the key not work because there would still be 5 other partition referencing the OEM version? Also would Windows installer view it as if I were trying to install two different operating systems on the same drive or not except the key because it thinks it resides on another product?

2: More importantly (and as I understand it) I should be able to format the OS C:/ without deleting any of the other partition and leaving them intact. Is that correct or would the format wipe all partitions clean?

3: If I do that, will those OEM partitions still work correctly and still have the recovery option and factory image still available should they ever need it to restore it back to factory default?

4: Will doing it this way create driver and system conflicts?

If I could I would just make a 5 separate cloned images of those portions but I don't have enough storage space at the moment for that option.

5: If the 14.9 GB (Recovery Partition)( {NOT LABELED) does in fact hold the actual cloned image, is it possible the image contains the 6 partitions structure or only the OS image from C:/ ? I ask because if it does have the entire partition structure, I do have the space to clone it.

Can anyone help me make the right choice. Will this work?
Thanks

 

[USAFRet]

5. The Recovery Partition only contains that which came directly from the factory. Invoking that will return the device to exactly how it came from the store.

 

[Lonnie Bruhn]

5. The Recovery Partition only contains that which came directly from the factory. Invoking that will return the device to exactly how it came from the store.

USARet, thanks again for replying with your answers and staying with the topic after helping me move it to a better area.

Using the Factory reset option I understand. The part I am confused about and concerned with is what happens to the functionality of the laptop when I override the OEM recovery option and instead manually format the OS myself? Can you tell me if formatting C:/ and installing a retail version of 8.1, would this effect the way all the Recovery Partition behave, or would it even delete all 4 reaming non labeled partitions?

Here is what I know about partitioning: Even though it is all one large physical drive, the reason to partition a drive is to compartmentalize your data into areas that perform as a virtual drive; mostly for two reasons. The first, to allocate the most widely used core functioning of the OS to the outer tracks for better performance. The second, to safely contain any important data to a separate space. This way if the Hdd has no physical damage but somehow the OS is compromised logically by either a virus or some other unforeseen damage (ie. MBR/boot issues) you could format the Primary Partition where the OS is stored, re-install a new working OS without ever effecting your data contained in separate areas.
Important!
(For anyone reading this who is just starting to learn this. This only preserves your data when your Hdd has no physical damage. You should always back up critical data to a separate drive regardless. Having it backed up on the same drive in a separate partition does not protect your data from physical damage to the storage device. It is still all on the same drive.)


With that said, I still would like confirmation that only formatting C:/ will not wipe those other volumes. Also, what is beyond my scope of knowledge is how critical data that which is contained in other areas but still accesses and refers to the OS handles itself when a new registry is built. Even more confusing how the data reacts when the new registry doesn't have any of the OEM functions written into it initially. That's what I really need help understanding.

The other question I need help with is in regards to the OEM Recovery image.

Lets say my method went horribly wrong but I could still use their factory default image to recover the system. When recovering from their image, is the image a clone of only the OEM version of C:/ OS 8.1 environment, or is it a clone of the entire logical drive structure which would include rolling it back to it's six partitioned state?

Thanks again for your input, I'm hoping your advise and explanation will help me make an informed final decision..

LB

 

[USAFRet]

What you desire can be done. But you have to be very, very careful during the process.

I strongly urge you to create a Factory Reset DVD set, from whatever functionality it gives you. Just in case.

When you start the install, and it asks 'Where', choose CUstom
This will allow you to delete the relevant partition(s).
In this case, the C partition.
The D won't be touched.

However. The small partitions you see contain the boot info. Installing the retail Windows 8.1 may leave you with 2 choices in the boot menu after it is all installed. But only one will actually work.
So....delete ALL partitions, except the existing D (Factory Recovery)
That becomes one large space.
Format and let Windows install to that space, creating what it needs.

Just go slow, read ALL the dialog boxes. and know exactly what you're clicking on.
This is why I recommend creating that DVD set before you start. Far too easy to misclick and accidentally delete the wrong partition. You probably won't need it. But better to be safe than sorry.

 

[Lonnie Bruhn]

Great . Thank You, Today is the day of reckoning. When I get finished I'll give an update.. Thanks again.