Backup and recovery
Maintenance and Service Guide
8–3
Performing a recovery
In case of system failure or instability, the computer provides the following tools to recover your files:
■
Windows recovery tools: You can use the Backup and Restore Center to recover information you have
previously backed up. You can also use Windows Startup Repair to fix problems that might prevent Windows
from starting correctly.
■
f11
recovery tools: You can use the
f11
recovery tools to recover your original hard drive image. The image
includes the Windows operating system and software programs installed at the factory.
✎
If you are unable to boot (start up) your computer, you must purchase a Windows Vista operating system DVD to
reboot the computer and repair the operating system. For additional information, refer to the “Using a Windows
Vista operating system DVD (purchased separately)” section in this chapter.
Using the Windows recovery tools
To recover information you previously backed up, follow these steps:
1. Select
Start > All Programs > Maintenance > Backup and Restore Center
.
2. Follow the on-screen instructions to recover your entire computer (select models only) or your files.
✎
Windows includes the User Account Control feature to improve the security of your computer. You may
be prompted for your permission or password for tasks such as installing software, running utilities, or
changing Windows settings. Refer to Help and Support for more information.
To recover your information using Startup Repair, follow these steps:
Ä
CAUTION:
Using Startup Repair completely erases hard drive contents and reformats the hard drive. All files you have created
and any software installed on the computer are permanently removed. When reformatting is complete, the recovery process
restores the operating system, as well as the drivers, software, and utilities from the backup used for recovery.
1. If possible, back up all personal files.
2. If possible, check for the presence of the Windows partition and the HP Recovery partition. To find the
partitions, select
Start > Computer
.
✎
If the Windows partition and the HP Recovery partition have been deleted, you must recover your
operating system and programs using the Windows Vista operating system DVD and the
Driver
Recovery
disc (both purchased separately). For additional information, refer to the “Using a
Windows Vista operating system DVD (purchased separately)” section in this chapter.
3. Restart the computer, and then press
f8
before the Windows operating system loads.
4. Select
Repair your computer
.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions.
✎
For additional information on recovering information using the Windows tools, perform a search for these topics
in Help and Support.
