[
    {
        "role": "user",
        "content": "How%20do%20I%20boot%20to%20recovery%20environment%20on%20a%20lenovo%20thinkpad"
    },
    {
        "role": "assistant",
        "content": "Here\u2019s how to boot a Lenovo ThinkPad into the Recovery Environment (WinRE) \u2014 depending on whether you can boot Windows normally or need to use physical buttons. The steps can vary slightly based on your ThinkPad model and whether you're using Windows 10 or 11.\n\n---\n\n## 1. If Windows *can* start (normal boot)\n\n### Via Settings\n\n1. Press **Windows + I** to open **Settings**.  \n2. Go to **System \u2192 Recovery** (on Windows 11) or **Update & Security \u2192 Recovery** (on Windows 10).  \n3. Under **Advanced startup**, click **Restart now**.  \n4. After restart, select **Troubleshoot \u2192 Advanced options** to enter WinRE. ([manualslib.com](https://www.manualslib.com/manual/3270984/Lenovo-20g8.html?page=19&utm_source=openai))\n\n### Using Shift + Restart\n\n1. Click **Start \u2192 Power**.  \n2. Hold **Shift**, then select **Restart**.  \n3. Continue with **Troubleshoot \u2192 Advanced options** once the recovery menu appears. ([support.lenovo.com](https://support.lenovo.com/us/en/solutions/ht105328-f8-or-fn-f8-key-not-able-to-enter-safe-mode-in-windows-10-thinkpad?utm_source=openai))\n\n### Via Command Prompt / PowerShell\n\n- Run: `shutdown /r /o` or `shutdown /r /o /f /t 0` from an administrator command prompt or PowerShell. This reboots directly into the recovery options screen. ([windowsreport.com](https://windowsreport.com/lenovo-recovery-mode-windows-11/?utm_source=openai))\n\n---\n\n## 2. If Windows *cannot* start (or you're booting from cold/off state)\n\n### Automatic Recovery after failed boots\n\n- If your ThinkPad fails to boot Windows **two times in a row**, it often launches WinRE automatically on the next startup. ([manualslib.com](https://www.manualslib.com/manual/3270984/Lenovo-20g8.html?page=19&utm_source=openai))\n\n### Interrupt the boot process\n\n1. Turn on your ThinkPad.  \n2. When you see the Lenovo logo (or a spinning circle), press and hold the power button to force shutdown.  \n3. Repeat this **two times**.  \n4. On the third startup, the system should recognize normal boot isn\u2019t possible and enter WinRE.  \n5. From there, choose **Troubleshoot \u2192 Advanced options**. ([pcsupport.lenovo.com](https://pcsupport.lenovo.com/us/en/products/laptops-and-netbooks/thinkpad-x-series-laptops/thinkpad-x1-carbon-type-20hr-20hq/20hr/videos/vid100758-lenovo-self-help-how-to-restore-your-pc-to-a-previously-working-state-outside-windows?utm_source=openai))\n\n### Boot using Novo (or a recovery) button / USB media\n\n- Some ThinkPads provide a **Novo button** (a small recessed button near the power or sides) that opens a special boot menu when pressed at startup. From there you can select recovery options or boot from a USB recovery drive. ([pcsupport.lenovo.com](https://pcsupport.lenovo.com/us/en/products/laptops-and-netbooks/thinkpad-x-series-laptops/thinkpad-x1-carbon-type-20hr-20hq/20hr/videos/vid100758-lenovo-self-help-how-to-restore-your-pc-to-a-previously-working-state-outside-windows?utm_source=openai))  \n- If you previously created a **USB recovery drive**, plug it in before powering on. Then use **F12** (Boot Menu on ThinkPads) during startup to select it. ([download.lenovo.com](https://download.lenovo.com/pccbbs/mobiles_pdf/t460_ug_en.pdf?utm_source=openai))\n\n---\n\n## Additional Tools or Features\n\n- **Connected System Recovery / Cloud Bare Metal Recovery**: For selected ThinkPads, you can reinstall Windows from the cloud through WinRE. This wipes data and restores the system to factory defaults. You often enable this via BIOS (entered with **F1**) and then use the **Boot Menu (F12)** to start the recovery. ([pcsupport.lenovo.com](https://pcsupport.lenovo.com/us/en/products/laptops-and-netbooks/thinkpad-l-series-laptops/thinkpad-l15-type-20u3-20u4/solutions/ht515427-how-to-use-connected-system-recovery-cloud-bare-metal-recovery-thinkpad?utm_source=openai))\n\n- **Resetting BIOS to factory defaults**: Sometimes needed if firmware settings are interfering with recovery. This also typically uses **F1** at boot to access BIOS, then choosing reset options within the BIOS setup. ([download.lenovo.com](https://download.lenovo.com/manual/thinkpad_x1_2in1_g9/user_guide/en/help_fix_OS_issues.html?utm_source=openai))\n\n---\n\nIf you tell me the exact model of your ThinkPad (for example: X1 Carbon Gen 9, T14s) and whether you're using Windows 10 or 11, I can give more precise instructions so you can get into Recovery Environment for *your* laptop."
    },
    {
        "role": "user",
        "content": "x9%20P15"
    },
    {
        "role": "assistant",
        "content": "Here are the exact steps for entering the **Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE)** on a *Lenovo ThinkPad X9-15p* (Gen 1), based on its official user guide, plus extra tips if Windows won\u2019t boot.\n\n---\n\n## How to Enter Recovery on ThinkPad X9-15p Gen 1\n\nAccording to the Lenovo ThinkPad X9-15p Gen 1 User Guide:\n\n- When you see the **Lenovo logo** during startup, press **F11** to launch the Windows Recovery Environment. ([download.lenovo.com](https://download.lenovo.com/pccbbs/mobiles_pdf/x9_15_gen1_ug_en.pdf?utm_source=openai))  \n- Once you're in WinRE, navigate to **Troubleshoot \u2192 Reset this PC \u2192 System Restore**, then choose whether to keep your files or remove everything. ([download.lenovo.com](https://download.lenovo.com/pccbbs/mobiles_pdf/x9_15_gen1_ug_en.pdf?utm_source=openai))\n\n---\n\n## Other Methods for Recovery Access\n\nThese are helpful if either Windows isn\u2019t starting normally, or you prefer alternate methods:\n\n1. **From within Windows (if it works)**\n   - Go to *Settings \u2192 System \u2192 Recovery* (for Windows 11) or *Settings \u2192 Update & Security \u2192 Recovery* (Windows 10).\n   - Choose **Restart now** under *Advanced startup*. The system will boot into recovery options. ([download.lenovo.com](https://download.lenovo.com/pccbbs/mobiles_pdf/x9_15_gen1_ug_en.pdf?utm_source=openai))\n\n2. **Use a USB recovery drive**  \n   - Create a USB recovery drive:  \n     - Plug in a USB drive (16 GB or more)  \n     - Search \u201cCreate a recovery drive\u201d in Windows, then follow the prompts. ([download.lenovo.com](https://download.lenovo.com/pccbbs/pubs/p53/html_en/en/Create_and_use_a_recovery_USB_device_%28topic%29_T0000683105.html?utm_source=openai))  \n   - To use it:  \n     - Connect the USB drive  \n     - Restart the laptop  \n     - Press **F12** when the Lenovo logo appears to open the Boot Menu  \n     - Select the USB drive and follow prompts through Troubleshoot \u2192 [Recovery options] ([download.lenovo.com](https://download.lenovo.com/pccbbs/pubs/p53/html_en/en/Create_and_use_a_recovery_USB_device_%28topic%29_T0000683105.html?utm_source=openai))\n\n3. **Automatic recovery if Windows won\u2019t boot**  \n   - If the system fails to boot twice in a row, WinRE usually triggers automatically the next time you start it. ([download.lenovo.com](https://download.lenovo.com/pccbbs/mobiles_pdf/x9_15_gen1_ug_en.pdf?utm_source=openai))  \n   - You can also force this by turning it on, letting it reach the logo or a loading spinner, then holding the power button ~10 s to force shutdown. Do that twice, then start again. It should drop into recovery. ([manuals.plus](https://manuals.plus/m/3dccc990f7940f4a88ab1b06be4be2c726ba48d9222953a77f135f23bec2ebeb_doc?utm_source=openai))\n\n---\n\n## Things to Know\n\n- Using **F11** during startup is the built-in shortcut for the X9-15p Gen 1. ([download.lenovo.com](https://download.lenovo.com/pccbbs/mobiles_pdf/x9_15_gen1_ug_en.pdf?utm_source=openai))  \n- F12 is mainly used to open the **Boot Menu**, for selecting USB or other boot sources\u2014not directly for WinRE\u2014but it's a way to boot from recovery media. ([download.lenovo.com](https://download.lenovo.com/pccbbs/pubs/p53/html_en/en/Create_and_use_a_recovery_USB_device_%28topic%29_T0000683105.html?utm_source=openai))  \n- If you've changed BIOS/UEFI settings (secure boot, boot mode) or deleted the recovery partition, some recovery options may be unavailable. USB recovery or cloud recovery might then be your path. ([download.lenovo.com](https://download.lenovo.com/manual/thinkpad_x9_15p/user_guide/en/Frequently_asked_questions.html?utm_source=openai))\n\n---\n\nIf you tell me whether your X9-15p is running Windows 10 or 11, and whether you still have the recovery partition or not, I can help you choose the best recovery path."
    },
    {
        "role": "user",
        "content": "Is%20windows%20drive%20snapshot%20accessible%20with%20a%20screen%20reader%3F"
    },
    {
        "role": "assistant",
        "content": "It depends on what exactly you mean by \"drive snapshot\" \u2014 whether you mean Microsoft\u2019s Recall feature (saves screens as snapshots), Volume Shadow Copy (VSS) / Previous Versions, or some third-party drive imaging tool. Each has different degrees of accessibility with screen readers (like Narrator, NVDA, JAWS). I\u2019ll break them down:\n\n---\n\n## Microsoft Recall (Drive Snapshot / Screen Timeline)\n\n\u201cRecall\u201d is a Windows feature (available in **Copilot+ PCs**) that periodically saves screenshots (snapshots) of your active screen. ([learn.microsoft.com](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/client-management/manage-recall?utm_source=openai))\n\n### Accessibility of Recall\n\n- The Recall UI supports screen reading. Microsoft provides guidance on using Recall with screen readers such as Narrator, JAWS, or NVDA. For example, you can navigate the Recall timeline, search snapshots, open or delete snapshots via accessible keyboard controls. ([support.microsoft.com](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/accessibility/windows/copilot/use-a-screen-reader-to-explore-and-navigate-recall?utm_source=openai))  \n- Snapshot items in Recall have options like *Open snapshot*, *Open associated app*, *Delete snapshot*, etc., all of which can be accessed via keyboard and exposed to screen readers. ([support.microsoft.com](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/accessibility/windows/copilot/use-a-screen-reader-to-explore-and-navigate-recall?utm_source=openai))  \n- Sensitive content may be filtered out, and snapshots are encrypted \u2014 only the signed-in user (via Windows Hello) can access Recall content. ([learn.microsoft.com](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/client-management/manage-recall?utm_source=openai))  \n\nSo yes, in typical use, Recall snapshots *are* accessible with a screen reader.\n\n---\n\n## Volume Shadow Copy / Previous Versions / Drive Snapshots via VSS\n\nIf by \u201cdrive snapshot\u201d you mean restoring files or folders via Volume Shadow Copy (e.g. the \u201cPrevious Versions\u201d tab in File Explorer), accessibility is a bit more varied.\n\n- The Previous Versions interface is part of File Explorer / properties dialogs. These are standard Windows UI elements and generally are accessible via screen readers. Keyboard navigation works (tab, arrow keys) and accessible names exist.  \n- What might sometimes limit experience: if the drive snapshot (shadow copy) location or contents are hidden, or if special permissions are required, or if the UI doesn\u2019t expose certain details \u2014 there may be parts inaccessible depending on how the software implements it.\n\n---\n\n## Third-Party Imaging / Backup Tools\n\nIf you\u2019re using third-party \u201cdrive snapshot\u201d or imaging or backup tools:\n\n- Accessibility depends entirely on how well the tool supports screen readers. Some are very accessible; others are not.  \n- If the tool has a standard Windows UI using accessible controls (buttons, lists with labels, etc.), screen readers can often handle them fine. If it uses custom graphics with no accessibility metadata, then it may be substantially less usable.  \n\n---\n\n## Summary\n\n- **Recall snapshots** *are generally accessible* via screen readers on supported Windows systems.  \n- **VSS / Previous Versions** are usually accessible (being built into Windows), though details may depend on permissions and UI implementation.  \n- **Third-party snapshot/image tools** vary \u2014 you\u2019ll need to check if that particular tool supports accessibility; often by trying or checking documentation or online reviews.\n\n---\n\nIf you tell me which kind of \u201cdrive snapshot\u201d you meant (Recall? VSS? a specific third-party tool?) and which screen reader you\u2019re using (Narrator, NVDA, JAWS, etc.), I can help you confirm more precisely how usable it will be in your case."
    },
    {
        "role": "user",
        "content": "no%20I%20mean%20the%20software%20called%20drive%20snapshot"
    },
    {
        "role": "assistant",
        "content": "I couldn\u2019t find any credible information confirming that **Drive SnapShot** (the disk imaging and backup tool) has been specifically tested or certified for screen reader compatibility. Below is a breakdown of what seems to be known \u2014 and what remains uncertain \u2014 along with suggestions if you want to try using it with a screen reader.\n\n---\n\n## What *is* Drive SnapShot\n\nDrive SnapShot is a Windows disk imaging tool that lets you:\n\n- Create full or partial backups (images) of drives, even while Windows is running.  \n- Access image files as **virtual drives**, so you can browse or extract files without full restore.  \n- Use a GUI (graphical) interface plus command-line options. It supports mounting image files to browse within Windows Explorer. ([getapp.com](https://www.getapp.com/security-software/a/drive-snapshot/?utm_source=openai))\n\n---\n\n## What *isn\u2019t* well documented\n\nDespite its features, there is no publicly available documentation or official statements indicating that Drive SnapShot:\n\n- has accessibility built-in (like UI labels, keyboard navigation, or ARIA roles) specifically for screen readers;  \n- has been tested for compatibility with popular screen readers like NVDA, JAWS, Narrator;  \n- uses an accessibility API or exposes UI controls that screen readers can reliably interpret.\n\n---\n\n## Observations from user reviews & third-party sources\n\n- Some reviews describe the UI as \u201csimple\u201d but \u201coutdated\u201d ([anunziointernational.com](https://anunziointernational.com/software/product/drive-snapshot-system-backup-recovery/?utm_source=openai)), which could imply graphical elements that might present difficulties for screen readers if not properly labelled.  \n- There\u2019s mention of \u201cdrag-and-drop\u201d operations and mounting image files as virtual drives, which suggest standard Windows UI behavior in parts, which might work better with screen readers than more custom interfaces. ([getapp.com](https://www.getapp.com/security-software/a/drive-snapshot/?utm_source=openai))\n\n---\n\n## What *might* work\n\nBecause the software uses standard Windows dialogues for file selection, mounting, and mapped drives in File Explorer, some parts of it *might* be usable with screen readers:\n\n- Windows Explorer and dialog windows generally expose a lot of UI information via the accessibility APIs that screen readers hook into.  \n- Using keyboard navigation (Tab key, arrow keys, Enter, Escape) \u2014 if Drive SnapShot\u2019s interface doesn\u2019t block these \u2014 could allow using many features.\n\nHowever, here are potential pain points:\n\n- Custom controls or graphics where labels are not clearly assigned might not be announced.  \n- Complex options or dialogs might not have accessible names or may not track focus properly.  \n- Without documentation, some actions might rely heavily on mouse interaction only.\n\n---\n\n## My assessment: likely limited, not fully accessible\n\nGiven what\u2019s known:\n\n- Drive SnapShot is **not officially certified** for screen reader accessibility (to the best of my research).  \n- Some features might function with effort, especially where it uses standard Windows components.  \n- Other parts (e.g. custom backup option settings, mounting dialogues, image browsing) may be hard to use without visual cues.\n\n---\n\n## What you can try, and suggestions if it\u2019s not accessible enough\n\nIf you want to see if Drive SnapShot works for you, here are some hands-on tips:\n\n1. **Test UI navigation:** Open the program, try moving through all controls using Tab / Shift-Tab + arrow keys. See if each control is announced (name, state, role).  \n\n2. **Use virtual drive functionality:** Once an image is mounted as a drive, try accessing it via File Explorer. This part is likely to be fully accessible, since File Explorer works well with screen readers.\n\n3. **Explore help resources/documentation:** Sometimes there are user forums, FAQs, or support where people have asked about accessibility. Reach out to vendor support to ask if they have accessibility info.\n\n4. **Try alternatives:** If Drive SnapShot isn\u2019t usable, other backup tools may provide accessibility features. Windows\u2019 built-in tools (File History / System Restore), or third-party tools that advertise accessibility might be more usable.\n\n---\n\nIf you like, I can try to find someone who has tested Drive SnapShot specifically with a screen reader (maybe a user review), or find similar tools that are known to be more accessible. Do you want me to pull those together for you?"
    },
    {
        "role": "user",
        "content": "I%27m%20using%20the%20software%20Drive%20Snapshot%20for%20Windows%2C%20I%20am%20also%20blind%20and%20using%20jaws%20for%20windows.%20I%20want%20to%20create%20a%20backup%20of%20all%20partitions%20on%20my%20c%20drive.%20Can%20you%20give%20me%20step%20by%20step%20instructions%3F"
    },
    {
        "role": "assistant",
        "content": "Here are step-by-step instructions for using **Drive Snapshot** to back up *all partitions* on your C drive (i.e. your Windows system drive plus any related partitions). Since you use **JAWS**, I\u2019ll include where you can use keyboard \u2013 and tips to help with what JAWS reads. If any point isn\u2019t clear, let me know and I can guide further.\n\n---\n\n### What you\u2019ll need before you start\n\n- Drive Snapshot installed on your Windows PC.\n- Enough free space on another drive (external or internal) to store the backup image. The image will include all partitions related to C: (Windows, recovery, possibly boot).\n- Optionally, if you want, a USB drive to store a rescue boot disk (Drive Snapshot also supports DOS-based rescue media) ([tinyapps.org](https://tinyapps.org/docs/drive_snapshot_review/?utm_source=openai)).\n\n---\n\n### Step-by-Step: Backing up all partitions on your Windows (C:) drive with Drive Snapshot\n\n1. **Run Drive Snapshot as administrator**\n   - Press `Windows` key, type *Drive Snapshot* or *snapshot.exe*. When it appears, use the arrow keys to select it, then press `Ctrl+Shift+Enter` to run as administrator. This ensures it has rights needed for all disks and partitions.\n\n2. **Windows UAC (User Account Control) prompt**\n   - JAWS should read a prompt like *\u201cDo you want to allow this app to make changes to your device?\u201d* Use arrow keys or Tab to select *Yes*, then press `Enter`.\n\n3. **Main window of Drive Snapshot**\n   - Once open, JAWS should say something like *\u201cDrive Snapshot \u2013 Main Window. Buttons: Backup Disk to File; Restore Disk From File; View Contents of Disk Image; Help; Exit.\u201d*\n\n4. **Backup Disk to File**\n   - Press `Alt` + the underlined letter for \u201cBackup\u201d or use **Tab** repeatedly until *Backup Disk to File* is highlighted, then press `Enter`.\n\n5. **Choose Disk(s) / Partitions**\n   - A dialog opens listing all disks and partitions. JAWS should announce something like *\u201cSelect source disk: Disk 0, partitions: C: (Windows), Recovery, EFI, etc.\u201d*\n   - Use arrow keys or Tab + Space to select all partitions connected to your system drive. Usually that means selecting the whole Disk 0 (if your system has only one internal disk). You might see a checkbox list or something similar. Press `Space` to check.  \n\n6. **Use Volume Shadow Copy Service (VSS)**\n   - There should be an option\u2014often a checkbox\u2014that says something like *\u201cUse VSS\u201d (or \u201c--usevss\u201d in command-line). VSS ensures files in use can be backed up properly. Check that.  \n   - Navigate by Tab to that option, press `Space` to toggle.\n\n7. **Select Destination File**\n   - Press `Tab` until you reach a *Browse* or *Destination path* field or button. Press `Enter` or `Space` to open it. Use arrow keys to navigate drives and folders.  \n   - Choose a drive other than C: (must be destination with enough free space). For example, external USB drive or D: drive.  \n   - Enter a name for image file (e.g. `C_Backup.sna`).\n\n8. **Advanced options (optional)**\n   - Tab to reach *Advanced Options* or *Options* button. Press `Enter` or `Space`.  \n   - Here you might set: password protection, compression, log file location, verification after backup.  \n   - Use Tab / arrow keys. If there is a field for password, enter it. If you want file verification after backup, check its option.\n\n9. **Start Backup**\n   - Tab until you reach *Start Backup* or *OK*. JAWS should read something like \u201cStart backup from selected disk(s) to file\u2026\u201d Press `Enter` to begin.\n\n10. **Monitoring Progress**\n    - Once started, Drive Snapshot will show a progress dialog with percentage, size, amount done. JAWS should read updates like \u201cBackup progress: xx percent\u201d.  \n    - Let it run. Do not shut off the computer or disconnect the destination drive.\n\n11. **Finish Backup**\n    - When done, it should show a message like *\u201cBackup completed successfully\u201d*. Press `Enter` on *OK* or *Close*.\n\n12. **Optional: Create rescue media**\n    - If you want to be able to restore the image when Windows won\u2019t boot, Drive Snapshot supports making DOS-based rescue media.  \n    - In the main menu, Tab to *Help* or use the *Rescue* or *Create Rescue Disk* option, if available. Follow prompts (select USB drive, execute, etc.).\n\n---\n\n### Tips for using with JAWS\n\n- Use **Tab**, **Shift-Tab**, **Arrow keys**, **Space**, and **Enter** instead of mouse.\n- Drink water while listening: check if fields are read. If a control isn\u2019t announced, try using **application key** then arrow + space\u2014sometimes that reveals hidden items.\n- Use **JAWS Forms Mode**: JAWS usually enters Forms Mode automatically in dialogs; if not, press `Enter` or `Space` when a control is focused.\n\n---\n\n### Sample Script / CLI command (if you prefer using command line)\n\nIf you\u2019re comfortable with command-prompt or batch files, Drive Snapshot supports command-line. Here\u2019s an example you could use in a .bat file:\n\n```\n\"C:\\Program Files\\DriveSnapshot\\snapshot.exe\" C: C:\\Backups\\C_Drive_All.sna --usevss --logfile:C:\\Backups\\C_All_Log.txt\n```\n\n- Replace path to snapshot.exe as needed.\n- Replace `C:\\Backups\\C_Drive_All.sna` with path to the drive/folder you want to save image on.\n- `--usevss` ensures files in use are included properly.  \n- `--logfile:` option creates a log.  \n- If there are multiple partitions (e.g. recovery, EFI), check whether specifying `C:` alone includes them\u2014Drive Snapshot\u2019s GUI shows partitions explicitly. CLI may need you to specify other letters or drive numbers or include flags for extra partitions.  \n\n---\n\nIf you want, I can walk you through a full keyboard-only session using Drive Snapshot with JAWS, so you can see exactly what JAWS might say and where you need to move. Would you like me to do that?"
    },
    {
        "role": "user",
        "content": "yes%2C%20please%2C%20i%27ve%20already%20created%20one%20backup%2C%20but%20the%20only%20options%20in%20the%20list%20of%20options%20was%20drive%20c%2C%20or%20my%20usb%20drive%2C%20but%20it%20didn%27t%20list%20all%20the%20partitions."
    },
    {
        "role": "assistant",
        "content": "Here\u2019s a more detailed, JAWS-friendly walkthrough for using **Drive Snapshot** to ensure you include *all* partitions (including hidden or system partitions like EFI, recovery, etc.), not just the C: drive. Based on your experience, it sounds like hidden/system partitions aren\u2019t appearing by default. This guide will help you reveal those and back them up.\n\n---\n\n## Overview: Why some partitions may be missing\n\n- Hidden/system partitions (e.g., EFI, Recovery, Microsoft Reserved) often don\u2019t have drive letters and may be hidden from many programs.  \n- In some imaging tools (and possibly in Drive Snapshot), these partitions are shown only under *disk-level* or *whole disk* selection rather than by partition letter like \u201cC:\u201d.  \n- You may need to switch from \u201cbackup a partition\u201d mode to \u201cbackup the whole disk\u201d mode to see everything.  \n\n---\n\n## Preparatory steps before using Drive Snapshot\n\n1. **Open Disk Management** (set up as admin)  \n   - Press `Windows` + `R`, type `diskmgmt.msc`, press `Enter`.  \n   - JAWS should read something like *\u201cDisk Management window \u2013 show all disks and partitions.\u201d*  \n   - Note the disk number (e.g., Disk 0) that contains your system. Note how many partitions are on it. Examples: EFI, Recovery, MSR, the main C: partition, maybe Recovery Tools etc.  \n\n2. **Check for hidden partitions / no-letter partitions**  \n   - Using Disk Management, check if there are partitions with no drive letter.  \n   - If yes, that's likely they're not accessible via \u201cC:\u201d selection alone.  \n\n---\n\n## Full keyboard-driven sequence with Drive Snapshot + JAWS\n\nHere\u2019s how you can ensure you see and select all partitions:\n\n| Step | Key Action | What JAWS Should Read / What You Do |\n|------|-------------|-----------------------------------------|\n| 1 | Open Drive Snapshot as admin: `Start` \u2192 type *snapshot* \u2192 arrow \u2192 `Ctrl+Shift+Enter` | UAC prompt; accept with `Yes`. |\n| 2 | Wait for main \u201cDrive Snapshot \u2013 Main Window\u201d | Should list buttons: *Backup Disk to File*, *Restore Disk from File*, etc. |\n| 3 | Press `Alt + B` (if \u201cB\u201d is underlined for **Backup Disk to File**), or Tab until *Backup Disk to File* is focused; then `Enter` | The backup dialog opens. |\n| 4 | In backup dialog, you\u2019ll see a list like \u201cSelect source disk:\u201d | JAWS reads something like \"Disk 0 \u2013 X GB\" etc. If it lists only \u201cC:\u201d or single partition, that\u2019s partition-mode. It needs to list \u201cDisk 0\u201d. |\n| 5 | If only \u201cC:\u201d is shown, you need to switch to **disk-level** mode | Press `Tab` until you reach an option like *Backup complete disk / all partitions / entire disk* vs *backup single partition*. It might be a radio-button or a dropdown. Use arrow keys to switch. If you tab through and don\u2019t find it, check \u201cAdvanced Options\u201d or \u201cOptions.\u201d |\n| 6 | Once \u201cDisk 0 (whole disk)\u201d is selected, press `Space` to check/select | JAWS should confirm selection: \u201cDisk 0 selected; includes partitions: EFI, Recovery, C: etc.\u201d |\n| 7 | Tab to \u201cUse VSS\u201d checkbox, press `Space` to include it | Ensures files in use are captured properly. |\n| 8 | Tab to \u201cDestination\u201d field or \u201cBrowse\u201d button, `Enter` or `Space` to pick folder | Navigate via arrow keys to external drive or other internal drive not being backed up. |\n| 9 | Tab to \u201cAdvanced Options\u201d or \u201cOptions\u2026\u201d if needed; check for options about including boot/EFI/recovery automatically | Press `Enter` when Options focused; inside options, look for checkboxes like \u201cAutomatically include small boot partitions\u201d or similar; use `Space` to toggle. |\n| 10 | Once everything is selected, Tab to *Start Backup* or *OK*, `Enter` | Backup begins; JAWS should announce progress. |\n| 11 | When backup completes, JAWS says something like *\u201cBackup completed\u201d*; `Enter` to close |\n\n---\n\n## How to find the \u201cwhole disk\u201d / include all partitions option\n\nSince in your previous backup you saw only C: and USB drive, here are where to look:\n\n- **Backup Disk to File** vs **Backup Partition to File**: Drive Snapshot usually gives two modes. The one that lets you pick a whole disk (all partitions) is \u201cbackup complete disk\u201d or similar. The mode that only lets you select volumes is the partition mode.  \n- **Advanced options**: Often there\u2019s a section called *Automatic Backup of small boot partitions* or *Include all system/hidden partitions*. In a manual guide from Purdue University, the \u201cAdvanced Options\u201d dialogue shows options like *Automatically include small boot partitions*, which default to include partitions like EFI or recovery if their size is below a threshold. The guide recommends setting the \u201cmaximum partition size for partitions automatically included\u201d high enough so those small system partitions are included. ([opp.purdue.edu](https://www.opp.purdue.edu/ECN/Support/KB/Docs/DataAcquisitionmachin/BareMetalRestoreDriveSnapshot.pdf?utm_source=openai))  \n- **Look at the size threshold**: If the default threshold for \u201csmall boot partitions\u201d is zero or small (MBs), larger partitions might be excluded automatically. You may need to increase that threshold. ([opp.purdue.edu](https://www.opp.purdue.edu/ECN/Support/KB/Docs/DataAcquisitionmachin/BareMetalRestoreDriveSnapshot.pdf?utm_source=openai))  \n\n---\n\n## If the hidden partitions still don\u2019t show up\n\nIf after switching to whole disk mode and adjusting advanced settings they don\u2019t appear:\n\n- **Ensure you have Admin rights** \u2013 some partitions need elevated permissions to list.  \n- **Check Windows\u2019 partition type**: For example, Microsoft Reserved Partition (MSR) is not assigned a drive letter and might be hidden; but a system image should still include it if the whole disk is selected.  \n- **Use DiskPart to list partitions**:  \n  1. Open `cmd` as admin \u2192 type `diskpart` \u2192 press `Enter`  \n  2. In `DISKPART>`, type `list disk` \u2192 `Enter`; note the disk number.  \n  3. Then `select disk X` (replace X with that number), press `Enter`.  \n  4. `list partition` \u2192 `Enter`. JAWS should read all partitions, their sizes, types, offsets. If Disk Snapshot does not list them, the problem is in its listing UI.  \n\n- **Contact vendor or check forum** \u2013 sometimes newer versions fixed display of hidden partitions. You might need an update.  \n\n---\n\n## What the \u201cAdvanced Options\u201d from Purdue say\n\nHere\u2019s what that manual says about \u201cAutomatic Backup of small boot partitions\u201d:\n\n- It gives you a textbox for *maximum partition size* under which partitions are auto-included. If you want recovery/EFI partitions (which are small), increase that maximum to something larger than their size. If set too small, those partitions won\u2019t auto-include. ([opp.purdue.edu](https://www.opp.purdue.edu/ECN/Support/KB/Docs/DataAcquisitionmachin/BareMetalRestoreDriveSnapshot.pdf?utm_source=openai))  \n- There\u2019s also the \u201cbackup complete disk\u201d mode, which includes everything regardless of size. ([opp.purdue.edu](https://www.opp.purdue.edu/ECN/Support/KB/Docs/DataAcquisitionmachin/BareMetalRestoreDriveSnapshot.pdf?utm_source=openai))  \n\n---\n\nIf you like, I can walk you through identifying the exact menu labels in your version of Drive Snapshot (they can vary), so you know what JAWS will say and where to press\u2014just tell me which version of Drive Snapshot you have installed."
    }
]