Boot option Recovery from hidden partition

[tkman]

Hi all.

I am trying to create the type of recovery option that comes with some laptops and systems from the big name sellers like Dell, IBM, HP, etc.  This is one step in setting up a good overall backup and recovery process. 

To clarify I will explain how I see it working and this forms the basis for what I am trying to do.  This is all focused on recovering windows xp systems.

The system's have have a hidden partition that holds an original image of the C drive.  I would assume that when first created the image on the hidden partition is equal to the C drive image. 
If the c drive becomes corrupt but the hidden partition is still valid the C drive can be reformatted to the original image.

When booting the system they give an option for system recovery.  This is similar to other boot options like "Delete key" for going to the bios settings. I have seen F11 for an IBM system.

If you choose the option to recover it offers the ability to save the user docs and do the recovery or completely erase the partition and reinstall an original version.

I want to be able to do this same thing. 

Any suggestions about how the startup recovery option can be accomplished?

Thanks in advance.

[Steven Shiau]

You can try to use clonezilla live 1.1.0-8, run the normal dialog, and it will prompt the complete command to run clonezilla.
As for how to put clonezilla live in the harddrive, check this:
http://drbl.sourceforge.net/faq/index.php#path=./2_System&entry=45_clonezilla_in_harddrive.faq

However, one thing left is you have to find a way to trigger the action by the hot-key. This is really hardware dependent.

[tkman]

Thanks for the reply.
I am beginning to think that simply running with live CD may be sufficient.
I am just experimenting now with CZ and will see how it goes.