I accept the challenge and came with a solution to create this OEM like Recovery Partition using simple tools within Window 7
At least my system does not react on F11 , but is works by pressing F8.
Requirement:
- Computer with a clean windows 7 with 3 or 4 primary partition. This may work with other Windows version as long as you know how to access the Windows Recovery Environment #.
- 3 Partition schema
- System reserved
- Windows partition
- Optional: Users or Data
- Recovery partition
- 4 Partition Schema
- System reserved
- Windows partition
- Optional: Users or Data
- Recovery partition
- There is no other software requirements, but if you prefer to use another partition software, you may as long you can follow steps 1.
- You need to be able to manage partition using Windows Disk management or any other partition tools
- You need to be able to create a windows 7 System image
At this point I assume that you have installed a clean copy of your window, have installed the latest driver, has update your windows with the latest service pack and patches, has installed your preferred or recommended software (see list recommended software) and has configure your windows.
- Create a 32 GB partition at the end of the dik (with any available drive letter) and label it as "RECOVERY"
- Run "create a systen image" from Control panel / Backup your computer. (If you are unable, try Control Panel / Backup and Restore)
- Save the image on disk selecting the Recovery labeled disk
- Continue to save only the system reserved and drive C partition
- After a successful image open windows disk manager and remove the drive letter from the RECOVERY Partition. If you do not want to remove the drive letter, then change the partition permission to List only to avoid accidental delete.
How to restore your computer using your recovery partition
To restore your computer you will have to access the recover environment in windows 7#.
Press F8 repeatedly just after the Bios post*. Then select the Repair your computer option from the boot menu that appears.
After the Windows Recovery Environment is loaded you be prompt for
- language
- password for your administrator account
# This article explain how to enable windows recovery environment in other windows version.
https://www.terabyteunlimited.com/kb/article.php?id=322
* Bios post is recognized during the period you see your computer manufacture logo appears right after you press the power button to start your computer. This may last 3 - 10 seconds depends on the bios settings
