Hi EdP,

Here is a complete description of the Dell PC restore and utility partitions. The FAT16 partition is the Dell utilities.

The MBR is part of the system partition, not one of the Dell partitions. Both Dell partitions can be deleted with no ill effect.

Thanks for the quick reply, osprey.

The reason I ask is to ensure that I select the correct settings in case I have to restore my C drive using a Macrium-created backup image.

During a restore procedure, if the MBR is on a separate (usually hidden) partition, then the C partition must be marked as primary and that the MBR is not to be replaced.

If the MBR is on the C partition, then it should be marked as an active partition and that the MBR must be replaced which apparently is the condition in my case.

Thanks again and thanks for the offer of further help,
EdP

PS I had already read the document regarding the Dell Restore Partition. It seems to discuss solely the DSR which is a hidden partition at the end of the hard disk. I don't have one of those according to what I see in the Disk Management display.
The article also states that the DSR was only on some Dimension and Inspiron models - I have a Precision, so I figured it did not apply to my PC.

See HERE for info on where the MBR resides. IT resides in a space all its own.