Hi everybody!

Is it possible to create a unattended windows installation from a partition, like on HP or Packard bell computers?

Thanks

Yes, it is possible.

You will need to install a Bootmanager like XOSL or Bootit NG to hide/unhide the partition (as far as I know HP does it from BIOS).

And you might need some thinking about the Hard Disk partitioning to find a way to KEEP the same drive lettering both when the disk is booted from the (normally hidden) recovery partition and when it is booted from the "normal" one.

jaclaz

Correct me if I'm wrong here, but I thought those "recovery" partitions were usually just images of the system partition from right before the machine gets shipped. If that's the case, just about any disk imaging utility should be able to create an image that would suit your needs. The only sticky part would then be creating a boot option that allows you to re-image the system drive from the boot menu.

Not always.

Some companies put a special setup program on them, usually you have to activate it using a cd or floppy, ad it checks your machine, gives you some option and if you chose full recovery they do a sort of unattended with driver integration and software install as if it were coming out of the factory.

Yes, on some machines the hidden partition contains custom programs that detect hardware and install files needed on that particular machine only.

Just for the record, the WORST is this TIME computers, read here some info:

http://www.pcbuyerbeware.co.uk/Tips.htm#timerecovery

http://www.pcbuyerbeware.co.uk/Software.htm#recovery

Have a look here (info on recovery hidden partitions):

http://www.langa.com/newsletters/2003/2003-02-06.htm#1

jaclaz