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I hate to sound stupid but I just wanted to know, when I copy and paste the NOOBS package onto a fresh microsd and load it into my pi, on first startup I get these options:

  • Raspbian
  • Data Partition
  • Raspian - Boot to Scratch

I understand option #1 & option #3, but why would you select this option? I guess I'm asking for examples

user3658362
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1 Answers1

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As explained here, the "Data Partition" option creates a buffer that is untouched when the OS is installed. Like any partition, it segregates memory so that if a OS is reinstalled to the SD card, it doesn't wipe out all the preexisting memory.

Data Partition - Add a 512mb data partition for data that will be kept safe during a re-instalation of an operating system.

A source here goes into further detail on what it does.

It sounds to me like selecting that option will allow you to create a 'recovery disk' of sorts. It might have come as a result of discussion on this issue, where people requested a partition that persists despite wiping another partition on the Pi.

I hope this helps!

James Taylor
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