Hi to all. Not really sure where to post this, here os in XP section. Here's the problem. I'm reinstalling an Acer Aspire 1640. By tapping ALT+10 during POST it will go into the Acer eRecovery and it will restore the original OS. In the new XP install I go to the Acer eRecovery options and create the recovery DVD so I can delete the 3GB EISA Recovery Partition. The problem is that the created DVD isn't bootable its just a DVD with an IMAGE to be used when I tap ALT+10 and choose to recover from DVD instead of D2D (Disk 2 Disk) recovery. How do I create a bootable recover DVD so I can delete the EISA partition and use the total of HDD space? Thanks Once upon a time the floppy disk was king.

Just get a retail copy of WinXP, then you can completely wipe out all existing partitions & repartition as you see fit. "If my answers frighten you then you should cease asking scary questions" - Jules Winnfield (Samuel L. Jackson) in Pulp Fiction

You could use an imaging software to create an exact image of the active partition. That would allow you to restore it without the hidden partition. I would advise against that though. At some point you will want to sell the laptop and that partition and the restore disks have some value. Seems like a lot of effort to recover 3GB of space. Have you checked your manual to see if you can create a restore set? Seems like that should be an option. If your hard drive should die you wouldn't have any way to restore the software.

In my opinion jam's suggestion is much simplier than what it takes to delete, remove to unlock EISA partition, as explained in this LINK. i_Xp/VistaUser

xpuser Actually there are better ways to remove EISA partition than the one on the link you posted. Several Linux distros will erase the EISA partition just like it erases a normal partition. Also you have Gparted boot CD that will do that. As for the DVD. Thanks for all your reply's. I discovered the problem, the recovery DVD doesn't boot due to a faulty drive. I made a new DVD with an external USB DVD-RW and the disc is bootable. Disassembled the drive and repaired it. It works like a charm now, just lots of dust on the lens sliding rails ans the lens itself. Thanks to all. Once upon a time the floppy disk was king.