We help IT Professionals succeed at work.
Get Started
Windows 8 reinstallation using files from recovery partition (damaged disk)
Hi,
I have a Dell Inspiron 3521 with Windows 8. It has no COA label/activation code on the underside (presumably it's license is tied to the BIOS). The disk is damaged, unbootable and no recover disks were ever made. However, I was able to get the full contents of the 4th and 6th partitions which seem to house the recovery setup. I've also gotten most of the data from the windows partition.
Partition 6 has two small .wim files and 4 .swm files which are 3-4Gb in size. I've attached a screen dump to show the partition's files and directories.
Some points to note:
I can't get a recovery DVD from Dell or any other source
I don't have any other Windows 8 media to work with
My question is, is there any way I can restore this PC to a new disk using what I've saved from the recovery partitions? I've attached screenshots showing the files/folders of partitions 4 and 6 with the WIM and SWM files highlighted.
Thanks in advance!
partition-4.gif
partition-6.gif
I have a Dell Inspiron 3521 with Windows 8. It has no COA label/activation code on the underside (presumably it's license is tied to the BIOS). The disk is damaged, unbootable and no recover disks were ever made. However, I was able to get the full contents of the 4th and 6th partitions which seem to house the recovery setup. I've also gotten most of the data from the windows partition.
Partition 6 has two small .wim files and 4 .swm files which are 3-4Gb in size. I've attached a screen dump to show the partition's files and directories.
Some points to note:
I can't get a recovery DVD from Dell or any other source
I don't have any other Windows 8 media to work with
My question is, is there any way I can restore this PC to a new disk using what I've saved from the recovery partitions? I've attached screenshots showing the files/folders of partitions 4 and 6 with the WIM and SWM files highlighted.
Thanks in advance!
partition-4.gif
partition-6.gif
Why Experts Exchange?
Experts Exchange always has the answer, or at the least points me in the correct direction! It is like having another employee that is extremely experienced.
Jim Murphy
Programmer at Smart IT Solutions
When asked, what has been your best career decision?
Deciding to stick with EE.
Mohamed Asif
Technical Department Head
Being involved with EE helped me to grow personally and professionally.
Carl Webster
CTP, Sr Infrastructure Consultant
Ask ANY Question
Connect with Certified Experts to gain insight and support on specific technology challenges including:
- Troubleshooting
- Research
- Professional Opinions
Did You Know?
We've partnered with two important charities to provide clean water and computer science education to those who need it most. READ MORE