Drive problem. PQservice partition basic ntfs healthy

Drive problem. PQservice partition basic ntfs healthy

Hi Ef2011,

“PQ service partition basic ntfs healthy (eisa configuration) 10 GB” is supposed to be a hidden partition containing data. You will need to restore your settings to factory defaults (like when you first bought it). It is an alternative for a system restore where all you have to do is to run the OEM manufacturer’s recovery utility to restore all settings back to its original state. So, in reality, it contains recovery information for your specific brand and model, plus a backup image straight from the manufacturer who shipped it.

If you are planning to replace Vista or Windows 7 with Windows XP, you can safely delete this drive. But if you delete it based on your present setup (XP and Win7 dual boot), there is a possibility that your operating system won’t boot, because the boot sector is written on the PQ SERVICE partition. Take note that even if you’ve configured your BIOS to boot from C:, the system will still be looking for that hidden PQ partition which contains the MBR.

This usually happens if you use Windows Vista or Windows 7 recovery disks that came with the laptop when you bought it. Those types are OEM recovery disks, and are customized. They will always look for the PQ SERVICE hidden partition. Use a generic installer, one which is not associated with any OEM manufacturer. Before doing a non-OEM install, Please Download only when the partition is verified as empty should install take place.

As an added reference, More info fully explains the reason why deleting the PQ partition can spell problems with regards to booting, and how to avoid common pitfalls during the removal process.

These guides that follow are also  good to read :

More info

More info

Remember to wipe the partition clean before doing anything else.