Original HDD...

jbdiesellife said:

Now that I'm running my WIndows 10 machine with an SSD, I'm wondering what to do with the original HDD. I've done nothing with it at this point since it still has that recovery partition from the manufacturer (Dell) on it.

The computer did not come with recovery disks. That's why I haven't put it in an enclosure and used it as an external drive. Is there a way to create a recovery disk from the HDD so I have it like the manufacturer sold it to me should I need to send it in for repairs?

What OS was on original drive?

jimbo45 said:

Hi there
If it's an old laptop HDD then get a SATA-< USB2 (or better USB3) adapter - connector and use as an external HDD. You can then run Linux / baclup software etc and use it as storage for backups etc.

If it's a desktop HDD then get an enclosure and do the same thing - don't throw awau -these old HDD's are good for extra storage / archive / backup etc.

Cheers
jimbo

I think OP wants to keep the recovery partition so he can put pc back to factory state.

Yes. I would swap the HDD back into the laptop, boot from it into Windows and Run Dell Backup and Recovery. Within DBAR, you can create factory restore media (DVD, USB flash Drive, or USB external HDD) from what is in the factory restore partition. THEN, re-swap, and you can reformat the HDD and use it in an enclosure. This is exactly what I did with my laptop (see System Specs) soon after I purchased it.

I use that HDD in enclosure for Macrium Reflect images (one off) in addition to MR daily images across Wifi to another Desktop USB.

USB Flash Drive you may want to consider over DVD. About an 8GB UFD should be correct size and those can be had for cheap $10-$15 or so. I used this one: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...rch_detailpage back in July (much cheaper now) and it worked fine.

jbdiesellife said:

Excellent! That's exactly what I'm going to do!

Thank you very much!

You're very welcome. Let us know how it turns out or if any questions/issues.