Recovery partition can quickly restore the system in case of system crash and avoid data loss. There are two ways to create it: Windows and Linux: 1. Select “Custom Installation” when installing Windows, manually create a system partition, a recovery partition (500MB-1GB), and other data partitions, and use “Create Recovery Drive” to back up to a USB flash drive after installation. 2. When installing Linux, select “Something else” to enter the manual partition, create the root partition, swap partition, /boot partition and /recovery recovery partition, and configure GRUB boot or use the Timeshift tool. If the recovery partition is damaged, Windows can use the bootrec command to repair it through the installation disk, and Linux uses Live CD with chroot and GRUB to reinstall; To ensure security, you should regularly use your own system or third-party tools for system backup.
The recovery partition is created during system installation to quickly restore to normal state in the event of a system crash or problem, avoiding data loss.
Solution:
To create a recovery partition during system installation, it’s crucial to understand the installer’s boot and disk management options. Normally, the Windows installer creates a small recovery partition by default, but we can customize this process or set it manually during Linux installation.
How to customize the recovery partition when installing Windows system?
The Windows installer usually automatically creates a recovery partition, but if you want to customize, such as resizing or positioning, you need to do some preparation before installation. First, you need a boot disk (USB stick or DVD), then go to the BIOS to set the boot order and boot from the boot disk.
Once you’re on the installation interface, instead of clicking “Next” directly, select “Custom Installation.” In the disk selection interface, if your hard drive is brand new, you can directly create a partition. If you already have a partition, you need to delete the existing partition first (pay attention to backing up important data!). ）。
Then, create at least three partitions:
- System partition (C drive): Used to install Windows, the recommended size is at least 60GB, adjusted according to your needs.
- Recovery partition: Used to store the recovery environment, the recommended size is 500 MB to 1 GB.
- Optional: Other data partitions (D drive, E drive, etc.) to store personal files.
Install Windows to the system partition, and the installer will automatically recognize the recovery partition and configure it. After the installation is completed, you can use the “Create Recovery Drive” tool to back up the recovery environment to a USB flash drive just in case.
It’s important to note that the Windows recovery environment can take up a lot of space, so it’s important to clean up useless recovery points regularly.
How to manually create a recovery partition when installing a Linux system?
Linux installations offer more flexibility, and you can fully customize the partitioning scheme. Take Ubuntu as an example, after launching the installer, select the “Something else” option to enter the manual partitioning interface.
You need to create the following partitions:
- Root partition (/): Used to install the system, recommended size of at least 20GB.
- Swap: Used for virtual memory, usually 1 to 2 times the size of physical memory.
- /boot partition: Used to store boot files, the recommended size is 500MB to 1GB.
- Recovery partition: This part needs to be created manually by yourself. You can create a separate partition, such as /recovery, and then copy the system backup file or image file to this partition after the installation is complete.
The key to creating a recovery partition is to choose the appropriate file system, such as ext4 or xfs. Then, you need to configure GRUB boot so that you can choose to boot from the recovery partition when the system boots. This part requires some command-line operations, such as modifying the /boot/grub/grub.cfg file and adding startup items for the recovery partition.
Of course, some graphical backup tools such as Timeshift can also be used, which can automatically create a snapshot of the system and save it in the specified recovery partition.
What should I do if the recovery partition is damaged?
If the recovery partition is damaged, Windows users can fix it by installing the disk or recovering the USB flash drive. Once booted into the recovery environment, you can select Troubleshoot – > Advanced Options – > Command Prompt and then use the bootrec command to repair the boot.
Linux users need to boot with a Live CD, then use the chroot command to enter the system and reinstall the GRUB boot. If the backup file in the recovery partition is also corrupted, then you have to reinstall the system.
How to Backup System to Recovery Partition Regularly?
Regular backup systems are an important means to ensure data security. Windows users can use the System Restore feature to create system restore points periodically. Linux users can use rsync or dd commands to back up the entire system partition to the recovery partition.
In addition, some third-party backup tools, such as Acronis True Image or Clonezilla, also provide convenient backup and restore functions. Choosing the right backup tool and performing backup operations regularly can ensure the security of system data to the greatest extent.
