Desktops & All-In-Ones

[v777]

If I were keeping it Acer's Restore option (in its hidden partition) is fine.  However, it lacks a drive reformat option, which I suspect would be handy when selling a PC on, to make sensitive data irrecoverable.  I have three factory reset discs, so if the hidden Acer partition disappears with a C drive reformat, would the reset discs recreate the Acer partition?  I fear lest the itch for data security leads to an inoperable PC.

[finlux · Accepted solution]

Hi v777

When you select the "Completely Restore System To Factory Defaults" option, this automatically formats the hard drive, then reinstalls Windows from scratch - back to the day you first bought it! This works exactly the same whether you use Recovery disks or the built in partition.

If you formatted the drive completely, even using programs like DBAN (Dariks Boot & Nuke), the recovery partition will be gone. The recovery disks will not replace the recovery partition on the hard drive, it will just install Windows. Any future recovery will be done via the disks.

[v777]

Thanks.  I wish this had been indicated alongside the options, but life's live n learn.

[finlux]

It sure is my friend.