Latest Update on: 9-11-06 - scroll down.

SUCCESSFULLY DONE......

UPDATE: success on a 9300 - full restore completed with customized image.
One of my Geeky cohorts and I have been working on a Theory and have had some success with it.

The Theory? Changing the Restore Partition size to hold a different Ghost image and using CTRL +F11 to invoke it.

We have accomplished everything except the actual ghosting portion due to installation issues with Symantecs GHOST, we had version 9, Ver. 9 will NOT work!!! You need Ghost 2003(ver8) or older to create the .gho files on the restore partition. Ghost 9 switched to the .V2i format and they are NOT compatible.

UPDATE: we got a hold of ghost 2003 DOS and were successful using that to create the .gho image. Acronis TrueImage will NOT work with the dell restore utility. you can use Acronis for DVD boot images but not with this utility project. Sorry folks, we tried it and the dell utility does not play nicely with it. Must be because the utility is a Symantec product.

We have confirmed that the CTRL+F11 will work AFTER you resize both the C drive and the restore partition. But we have not been able to kick off the image since we dont have one on the partition at all. still need to make it. I will update this thread as I get more info.

First off you need:

Non Destructive Partitioning software such as Partition Magic
Ghost 2003 or older (creates .gho files)
DSRFIX.zip - from our friends at www.goodells.net/dellrestore/
and a few hours to complete you project. thats it

OK

Next you completely install all the apps you want on your restore image and make sure everything is updated properly like windows updates, virus defs, anti-spyware defs blah blah blah, you get the point.

install partition software and ghost.

check the used space on C: write it down

unzip DSRFIX.zip and create the bootable CD -> boot into it

load up PTEDIT.exe

Change the DB partition to 0C (thats ZERO C) This enables windows to see the partition

reboot back into windows

if you check MyComputer you can now browse the contents of the Dell Restore Partition

Fire up you Partioning sodftware and shrink C: drive by the amount you need minus 4.6gb that the restore image already takes. not sure about compression used on the ghost files sorry
NOTE: this will require a reboot since you are resizing the currently active partition...

After the reboot crank up the partition software again and resize the restore partition to include all the unallocated space.

back up the restore partions image files: they are in the IMG folder and start with FI filenames. you should see 1 FI.gho and 1 or 2 FI00000*.xxx files back all of them up to a dvd.

delete the original restore image files, NOT THE FOLDER STRUCTURE.

Defrag your C drive

Create your Ghost image file of C:, make sure you name the image "FI" (no quotes)

place the FI.gho and any FI00000*.xxx files into the restore partitions /IMG/ folder

reboot to the DSRFIX cd

run PTEDIT -> change the 0C type back to DB, you will have to manually enter this then hit SAVE CHANGES as DB is not on the SET TYPES menu. It will work, try it a few times if it gives you problems. it took us 3 times for it to finally take the DB setting

Exit PTEDIT -> run DSRFIX /F

DSRFIX /F will fix the broken ctrl+f11 function and set the new partition sizes to the reference file.

reboot into windows -> verify that you cannot see the restore partition any longer

reboot and try to enter into the restore process by hitting CTRL+F11 during the boot.

This is all it takes... nothing really... YEAH RIGHT.

Useful and constructive critism is always welcome, rep as well, suggestions or ideas are invited. Thnaks to everyone here at the forums for helping us out, this is way of returning the favor.

DISCLAIMER:
Attempt this at your own risk, We take no responsibility for your attempts at this project, I am a Geek, My cohort is a geek, only geeks should attempt this project. If you are not geek, stay away, call DELL, cry, and wait for them to send you a new laptop. Sorry, had to be said.

With that done and over with, I hope this helps out a few of you. Good Day


UPDATE: 9-11-06

The following is a Custom “CLEAN” setup procedure for using a four(4) partition hard drive in your Dell Notebook PC. This guide is a compilation of several procedures found either online or on NoteBookForums Website. I have modified my own procedure for the 3 partition installation and learned quite a bit from TRIAL BY FIRE. I even rendered my Notebook unbootable a few times in the learning process. If you use Logical Partitions, created with the Windows XP CD utilities, you will experience these as well.

Many thanks to the the GooDell family for their great work on the information provided at their website about the DSRCheck.exe and for the DSRFix utility.

Thanks too goes out to the mods of NoteBookForums for giving this thread a STICKY.

Also a special SHOUT OUT to Xcess21 for his work with Linux and Restoring CTRL + F11 to a NEW hdd. Awsome Bro.

I have not verified MEDIA DIRECT Functionality at this time and have done a bit of research and realize now that it may have some issues, such as damaging the Windows partition. I will try to work this out in the near future…

Resources:
Notebookforums.com
Blackviper.com – No longer with us – We miss you black viper!!!
Still can be seen at web.archive.org
Goodells.net
Various Linux sites – I a total Linux N0o6 ! ! ! !


WARNING: Back up all data before continuing! Backup all your data NOW! This process uses destructive methods to achieve higher performance and restorability. Your data will be lost if you do NOT save it NOW.

Tools you will need:

WinXP SP2 CD
Ghost 2003
Partition Magic
dsrFix
a few black CD's or DVD's
A USB Key (thumb drive is useful as well)
Time!!!!
More Time!!!!
Lots o’patience!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Did you back up all your data yet?

1. Download all Drivers for your system….
• Burn then to CD/DVD…
o Use your favorite burning app such as NERO.
o Set them aside for now.

2. Obtain the Dell Windows Installation CD.
• If you do not have it. Use dell chat or call and request it, Guides on NBF on how to get them for FREE!!!

3. Obtain the DSRFIX.zip from Goodells.net
• Create (burn) the .iso creating the bootable CD.
• Set it aside for now.

4. Gather all of your desired applications that you want on your ghost image and available after the restore process.

5. Obtain Ghost 2003 and Partition Magic – MUST have Ghost 2003 or older!!!!!
• Newer versions of Ghost utilize a different file format that is NOT compatible with Dell System Restore.

6. Place DSRFIX boot CD into pc and boot to it.
• Hit F12 at bios load and select boot from CD.
• At prompt type
• Ptedit
• Look for the DB partition; change the “DB” to “0C” (zero C)
o This allows windows to see the partition
• Reboot into windows normally.

7. Install Ghost 2003 on your system.
• Delete the <DellRestore>/IMG/FI.gho & any FI000000*.gho files.
o Or archive them by burning to DVD’s.
o The FILES… not the Folder Structure!!!!!
• Create a <CD based> Ghost image of the <DellRestore> partition.
o We will use this later to restore the proper formatting of the Restore Partition***** we need a ghost image of original (minus the image files)!!!!!
o If you create a bootable CD, we will not be booting from it in this guide. That use is not tested by me.
o The destination of the Bootable CD ghost image is pre-determined from the source system location, your new partition structure will not match and it is not recommended to boot from the Bootable Ghost CD image disks for this process.




8. Insert the Dell Windows XP CD into the CD-ROM, restart windows and boot from the CD by hitting F12 at the BIOS screen and selecting Boot from CD

9. Choose Install Fresh copy of Windows

10. Follow the prompts until you get to the Partition screen

11. We want to keep the Dell Utilities (47mb) partition, but delete all the others, should be two (2) on a standard system.

Point of NO RETURN – Data Destruction Imminent!!!!!!!!

13. Go ahead and select the C: Partition and hit “D” then “L” to confirm.

14. Do the same for the other FAT32 (3-5GB) partition, this is your System Restore Partition.
• Don’t worry, we backed up the contents to a CD, remember!!!
• You can skip this step if you want to make your Restore Partition the fourth Partition on the drive… no big deal.
• Deletion of this partition is included in this guide for completeness.

15. Now we should have only 1 partition left and its 47MB in size… this is perfect leave this partition alone!!!! - do NOT delete this partition.

The following section is for a 100GB HDD, you can adjust your sizes as you see fit.

16. It turns out that my installation ghost image is about 11.5GB, so I will need to ensure that my Restore Partition is at least 12.5 GB to allow for overhead.
• We will not be creating the Restore Partition using the WinXP tool.
• This tool would make Logical Partitions which are a mess later.

17. I also want a 50GB DATA drive.
• Again, we will not create this now.
• Just info for figuring out how big to make our Windows Partition.

18. We will not create these at all using the Windows XP CD, WinXP create Logical Partitions and they will not work very well with the Dell System Restore, I found this out the hard way!!!!

19. We will only create the OS Partition with the WinXP CD, the others we will create with Partition Magic due to its greater flexibility and ease of use.

20. So here is what my drive ends up looking like:

Partition 1 – 47MB Dell Utilities
Partition 2 – 30GB Windows.
Remaining – 69GB Unallocated space

****Note: there is another HIDDEN partition that holds the diagnostics so don’t get too uptight if the numbers do not add up like you think they should.

21. Now we can go ahead and finish the install of the OS as you see fit.

22. Once the OS is done, make sure you install the Drivers in this order for optimal performance:

• Remember we burned them to a CD, right? Hope you follow directions well!

Intel Chipset
Ricoh Chipset
Graphics Driver
Audio
Modem
NIC’s -
Wired Ethernet
Wireless Ethernet
Bluetooth
Bluetooth Patch – if needed
Any/All others in any order

• Performance mileage may vary depending on your setup and driver versions.
• Some have reported to install Dell Notebook System Software first, but this is not required and I have no tests to confirm this so I have not included it here.

23. Run Windows Update and ensure you get the .NET Framework 2.0 for use with Media Player 10/11.
• This will take awhile since there are over 60 updates as of this printing that will need to get DL’d. Hope you have a fast connection!

24. Direct X update… check your version using START>RUN>dxdiag
Cross reference this online with MS to make sure you are up to date.

25. Install Partition Magic
• Create a new partition using the unallocated space after C:
o This will be your DATA drive.
o For those that kept the Restore Partition intact, this option would read something like: After C: but before “x”.
• Use NTFS and make it a PRIMARY partition, set the size to 50GB.
o Label it as you see fit.
Apply

26. Partitions should be like this:
Part 1: 47MB (Dell Media Direct) FAT
Part 2: Windows Installation NTFS
Part 3: DATA drive NTFS
Part 4: Unallocated

*****We have to leave the rest UNALLOCATED for GHOST 2003 to make the image properly… It requires a UNUSED Primary Partition for the GHOST Process. We will create the Restore Partition after GHOSTING the Windows Partition.******

27. Close Partition Magic

28. Install all your appz now, don’t forget anything, AV software, malware protection, MS Office or a clone, Quicktime, .pdf reader, flash, IM app, filesharing app, Codecs, DVD software, etc.

29. Adjust your startup options for your apps using START>RUN>MSCONFIG.
This will help keep those apps from starting processes on system startup.
• Other tools such as StartupCPL or Sysinternals own AutoRuns app are nice for this job.

30. Tweak your system in accordance with your favorite tweaking guide.

31. Adjust wallpaper, font, theme, blah, blah, blah to your taste.

32. Install Ghost 2003 or older.

33. Defrag your C: drive (the partition with Windows and your apps installed)

34. Start GHOST 2003, create the image of your drive with the settings you want, compression, number of file segments, etc.
• Save the image to the DATA drive for now just to make sure it will finish the ghost process.
• Name the Image FI.gho ( that’s Fox – India)

35. Run it, take a walk, and go for some ice cream, whatever… it’s going to be a while!
• OK we are back.

36. Now check your .gho files and make sure they do not exceed the available space on the Restore partition and that you have some overhead free space available too.

37. Start Partition Magic
• Create a new partition using the little bit of unallocated space left.
o This will be our Restore Partition.
o Make sure you have enough available space to fit your new Ghost Image and a bit left over for overhead.
• Use FAT32 and make it a PRIMARY partition
Label can be blank; I named mine <DellRestore> for quick ID.
• Apply Changes

38. Partition series should now look like this:
• Part 1: 47mb Media Direct
• Part 2: Windows (mine was 30 GB)
• Part 3: DATA (mine 50 GB)
• Part 4: DellRestore (mine was 13 GB)

39. We now have the HDD partitioned finally. Now let’s restore the folder/partition structure to the DSR Partition.

40. We are going to need the DOS Ghost utility off our <CD based> ghost image from earlier.

41. Place the CD Ghost image of the DSR partition in the CD-ROM.
• Double Click the image file, Ghost Explorer should open up.
• Click the little triangle/arrow next to image titles in the navigation pane.
• Right-Click the Drive icon labeled <Fat32-DellRestore>.
o Select <EXTRACT>
o Point the EXTRACT TO: browser to the new DSR Partition.
• Click OK

42. Re-Boot the computer to the DSRFIX DOS CD.
• Launch PTEDIT
• You should see all four partitions.
o DE = Dell Utilities
o 07 = NTFS - windoze
o 07 = NTFS - data
o 0C / DB = Fat32x / Dell System Restore (DSR)

43. We need to make the DSR partition the “ACTIVE” partition.
• Change the “00” in the second column to “80” for the 0C partition.
• Change the “80” to “00” on the 2nd partition.
o This will make the system think the DSR is the “C:” drive.
• Close PTEDIT

44. Push the POWER button to turn your system off.

45. Boot to the DSRFIX CD again.
46. At the A: prompt, Type “C:” (no quotes)
• You should now have a C: prompt.
• Type “DIR” (no quotes)
• You should see the same DSR folder structure that you saw in the Ghost Explorer Window.
• Type “CD Bin” (no quotes)
• You now have a “C:/BIN/” prompt
• Type “RECOVER” (no quotes)
• This will kick off the DOS based GHOST utility.
• Click OK
• Click Local>Partition>From Image
• Replace your DSRFIX CD with the <CD Based>Ghost image CD.
• In the LOOK IN drop down, select your CD/DVD drive.
• Click the Ghost image in the lower list.
• Click OK, CAREFUL!!
• When you get to the “SELECT DESTINATION PARTITION, select the FAT32 partition with the ID of 0C (Zero-C)
• Click OK
• Click YES
• Sit back and relax………
• Click Reset

47. Reboot to the DSRFIX CD again, launch PTEDIT.
• Change the “80” tag back to the 2nd partition, make sure the 0C/DB partition is reset back to “00”.
• Reboot to Windows.

48. Move the .gho files from your DATA drive to the DSR Partitions <IMG> directory.
• Ensure you grab all of them if you made multiple files.

49. That’s it for windows!

50. Reboot the PC back to the DSRFIX CD.

51. At the prompt, type
• PTEDIT
o The 4th partition should read 0C (zero C)
o Click in that box and change it to “DB” (no quotes)
o Click Save Changes
o Click Yes/OK
o Click the “x” in the upper right corner to exit.
• Type “dsrfix /pbr4” (no quotes)…………….
o This will tell you information with the dell restore as it is now.
o You will most likely see some “ALERTS”, this is OK, and we are looking to make sure that we do NOT have any “FATAL” errors.
o You will need to research any FATAL errors prior to continuing.
o If we have all GOOD/INFO/ALERT messages then
o Type “dsrfix /pbr4 /f” (no quotes) - (/f will make the utility write changes to the drive)
o *** More switches are available at the GooDells site.
o Follow the prompts to allow for changes to be made.
o Once complete, push power button to restart system

52. Boot into Windows and verify everything is OK in Windows Land.

53. Restart the machine and hit CTRL+F11 at the black screen with the Blue DELL Bar at the top.

54. System Restore process should start, continue with the restore process completely to verify your restore image.

55. Congratulations on your success.

If it broke, ooops, try it again or fix those errors.. good luck.

NOTE: There have been reported issues with the Boot.ini files, HAL.dll, NTLDR and such with other processes. Keep trying, you will get it right. But most of those were due to using Logical Partitions instead of Primary Partitions.

Just remember, do NOT use Logical Partitions, only PRIMARY Partitions for the DSR and OS. I have gotten Logical Partitions to work, but it is messier than the process here so I will not be providing this tutorial.

Do NOT create more than 1 partition using the Windows CD.

Download all drivers BEFORE formatting your drive.

Backup all data prior to attempting this process!!!!!

Backup all data prior to attempting this process!!!!!

Backup all data prior to attempting this process!!!!!

Backup all data prior to attempting this process!!!!!

Backup all data prior to attempting this process!!!!!

I'll snatch up Ghost 2003 after my 9400 arrives, and give this a try. It'll be quite worthwhile in case of any freak data corruption. I'd rather run a restore of how I like the system instead of replacing damaged files thru my boot disks.

If it works, you'll be getting rep alright. Thread bookmarked. =)

What happens when the hard drive fails and needs to be replaced?

I use Ghost 2003, but do the Peer-to-Peer ghosting. Then I burn a bootable DVD (...now up to 2 DVDs on my current image) and I'm done.

Idiot-proofing to the Nth degree can bite you at the worst possible time (yes, even DVDs can fail - one can restore from the DVDs regularly and reimage the system again and create new DVDs to help avoid disc failure.)

i tried this method to eliminaye having to carry around those install dvd's. I totally agree with you, but again, i was trying to eliminatew disk needs on the go.

dvd restore disks do you no good either when the hdd fails. but i do agree that we all should have a dvd based backup of the image files.

was this a pointless project? does anyone care? just curious what people thought of the project. thx.

Will some of you attempt this?

I'm going to try it PcGeek, I have to get an older version of ghost first. I think its a great idea.

I CARE! congrats!

a week ago though, i bought acronis TI 9.0, and it lets me create a bootable usb drive, and still use the usb drive for files.

plus i dont have the dell partition anymore

i woulda loved to do this otherwise! congrats still!

we have also been working on a solution for re-creating the restore partition, stay tuned for future projects.

i just think that people that do these thing just blow my mind how they figure it all out. super work and keep it up.

yea let me know if u get a way to restore the original partition.

i have a e510 upstairs with an 80gb original setup. i was thinking of creating a Acronis backup of the restore partition, and cloning it to a seperate partition on my computer, would it work? i just need to know how to do the boot stuff so i can hit ctl-f10?

found this link, any help for any thing?

www.goodells.net/dellrestore/fixes.htm

Any good sources to purchase the older version of Ghost from?

CJ

Thanks for all your hard work on this. Gonna try this later this week.

Yeah.. keep me in the loop, I want a custom image!!

Also Pcgeek, can you just create partitions with FDISK from a wiped drive and install the ghost image manually?

Hello all. This will be my first post to this forum but it is hardly my first time here. There's alot of great stuff on these forums so to all keep up the good work. To answer your question Chevyrulz099 the control f11 project works with ghost. Unfortunatley acronis doesn't work with the controll f11. You need ghost 2003 to make a .gho image. We tried acronis and it doesn't work. I wasted alot of time making that image with acronis and found out after it just didn't work.

In reply to HapiROTT, that is a project that we are going to try in the near future. Hopefully we will be able to give you an answer on that in the upcoming weeks. Our therory is that there is a way to do it by making a ghost image of the whole drive. We still have to test the therory. Hopefully we will be able to give you some results in the near future.


To all on the forums here that don't know me yet I'll say hello to all and keep up all the good work that goes on here.

I look forward to posting more on these forums.

My bro and I, PcGeek04, are happy that some of you like our little project and wish you good luck in it.

Since this is my first post I would like to say that I'm not trying to steal any credit from PcGeek. He is a very inteligent person and is very good with computers. Just don't tell him I said so. I probly didn't have to say that but being as this is my first post I didn't want any confusion as to why I was remarking about PCGeeks post. We have done a few projects together and a couple of them have been posted to the forums here. If any of you saw PcGeeks benchmarkings of a 1705 and a 9300 the 9300 is my laptop.