Performing an HP System Recovery in Windows Vista

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This document explains how to reset the computer to its original factory shipped state. This document is divided into sections based on the different ways of performing a System Recovery. Use one of the sections that best fits your needs. Please read ALL Caution statements before attempting a System Recovery!
Starting the recovery from Windows Vista : use this section when Windows Vista still opens.
Starting the recovery from power up : use this section when the computer does not open Windows (stops responding during the startup process).
Starting the recovery from recovery discs : use this section when the hard disk drive has been replaced or damaged and you have a set of recovery discs. Recovery discs can be those ordered from HP or those created by the Recovery Disc Creator software.

CAUTION: Performing a System Recovery will completely erase and reformat the hard disk drive - this includes deleting all data files you have created. System Recovery reinstalls the operating system, programs, and drivers. Software that was not installed on the computer at the factory must be reinstall. Additionally, you have to choose from the following methods for performing a System Recovery:Recovery Image - Run the recovery from a recovery image stored on your hard disk drive. The recovery image is a file that contains a copy of the original factory shipped software. orRecovery Discs - Run the recovery from a set of recovery discs (CDs or DVDs) that you create from files stored on your hard disk dirve.In either case, be prepared to reinstall software that was not originally included with the computer. You will also need to reconfigure an Internet connection and obtain all critical Windows updates, Virus definition updates, and anti-spyware updates.


CAUTION: If the computer was upgraded to Windows Vista from Windows XP, a System Recovery will revert the operating system back to Windows XP. Windows Vista will need to be reinstalled after the System Recovery.


NOTE: HP computers that ship with Microsoft Windows Vista do not come with recovery CDs. Instead, they use a space (partition) on the hard disk drive to store the recovery information. The use of a hidden partition provides a convenient process that eliminates the use of recovery discs that may be lost or scratched. Recovery discs for Windows Vista can be created by using the Recovery Manager or are available from HP for a minimal cost.

Starting the recovery from Windows Vista
Use the following steps to recover the computer starting from the Windows Vista desktop:

Turn off the computer.
Disconnect all connected devices (such as the Personal Media Drive, USB drives, printer, and fax), remove media from drives, and remove any recently added internal hardware. Do not disconnect the monitor, keyboard, mouse, and power cord.
Turn on the computer.
From the Windows desktop click Start , and then All Programs.
Click PC Help & Tools.
Click Recovery Manager.
The Recovery Manager Welcome screen appears.

Click Next.
On the Software Program Re-installation screen select No, and then click Next.
On the Hardware Re-installation screen select No, and then click Next.
On the screen that prompts for Microsoft System Restore select No, and then click Next.
The Recovery Manager prompts if you want to restore the computer to its original factory shipped condition. Click Yes, and then click Next.
The computer restarts and opens the Recovery Manager program.
If the recovery partition on the hard disk drive is functioning properly the Welcome to the Recovery Manager screen appears. If the hard disk drive is damaged, a set of recovery discs is needed to run a System Recovery. Follow the instructions listed in the section, Starting the recovery from recovery discs .


CAUTION: Performing a System Recovery completely erases and reformats the hard disk drive - this includes deleting all data files you have created. System Recovery reinstalls the operating system, programs, and drivers. However, you must reinstall any software that was not installed on the computer at the factory. This includes software that came on CDs included in the computer accessory box, and software programs you installed since your purchase.
Click Next.
On the Microsoft System Restore screen select No, and then click Next.
Confirm that you want to run a System Recovery by selecting Yes, and then click Next.
The Recovery Manager gives you the option of backing up your data files. Backing up your files is recommended. To back up your files select Yes, and then click Next. Follow the onscreen instructions.
If you do not want to backup your files, select No, and then click Next.
After the System Recovery is complete, the computer restarts and continues into Windows setup. Complete the setup screens and wait until the computer finishes the setup. Then, turn off the computer, reconnect all peripheral devices, and turn on the computer.
Before using the computer, update and protect your computer. Reinstall any virus and security software that was installed before the System Recovery.
Reinstall any software applications that were added after puchasing the computer, and any files that were backed up.

Starting the recovery from power up
If Windows Vista cannot open and if the Recovery partition on the hard disk drive is functioning properly, you can perform a System Recovery by performing the following procedure:

Turn off the computer.
Disconnect all connected devices (such as the Personal Media Drive, USB drives, printer, and fax), remove media from drives, and remove any recently added internal hardware. Do not disconnect the monitor, keyboard, mouse, and power cord.
Turn on the computer.
Do one of the following actions depending on how Windows Vista was installed:

If Windows Vista came pre-installed on your computer, press the F11 key repeatedly when the first screen opens (the logo screen), until Recovery Manager program opens on the screen.
If your computer was upgraded from Windows XP to Windows Vista, press the F10 key repeatedly when the first screen opens (the logo screen) until Recovery Manager program opens on the screen.
If Recovery Manager does not open, a set of recovery discs is needed to perform a System Recovery. Follow the instructions listed in Starting the recovery from recovery discs .


CAUTION: Performing a System Recovery completely erases and reformats the hard disk drive - this includes deleting all data files you have created. System Recovery reinstalls the operating system, programs, and drivers. However, you must reinstall any software that was not installed on the computer at the factory. This includes software that came on CDs included in the computer accessory box, and software programs you installed since your purchase.
Click Next.
On the screen that prompts for Microsoft System Restore select No, and then click Next.
The Recovery Manager gives you the option of backing up your data files. Backing up your files is recommended. To back up your files select Yes, and then click Next. Follow the onscreen instructions.
If you do not want to backup your files, select No, and then click Next.
After the System Recovery is complete, the computer restarts and continues into Windows setup. Complete the setup screens and wait until the computer finishes the setup. Then, turn off the computer, reconnect all peripheral devices, and turn on the computer.
Before using the computer, update and protect it by reinstalling any virus and security software that was installed before the System Recovery.
Reinstall any software applications that were added after puchasing the computer, and replace any files that were backed up.

Starting the recovery from recovery discs
Use the following steps to recover the computer from a set of recovery discs (either CDs or DVDs):

If the computer is on, insert the recovery disc labeled #1.
Turn off the computer.
Disconnect all connected devices (such as the Personal Media Drive, USB drives, printer, and fax), remove media from drives, and remove any recently added internal hardware. Do not disconnect the monitor, keyboard, mouse, and power cord.
Turn on the computer. The computer opens the Recovery Manager program.


CAUTION: Performing a System Recovery completely erases and reformat the hard disk drive - this includes deleting all data files you have created. System Recovery reinstalls the operating system, programs, and drivers. However, you must reinstall any software that was not installed on the computer at the factory. This includes software that came on CDs included in the computer accessory box, and software programs you installed since your purchase.
By default the Recovery Manager will be set to run a System Recovery from the inserted recovery disc. Click Next.
On the screen that prompts for Microsoft System Restore select No, and then click Next.
The Recovery Manager gives you the option of backing up your data files. Backing up your files is recommended. To back up files, select Yes, and then click Next. Follow the onscreen instructions.
If you do not want to backup your files, select No, and then click Next.
After the System Recovery is complete, the computer restarts and continues into Windows setup. Complete the setup screens and wait until the computer finishes the setup. Then, turn off the computer, reconnect all peripheral devices, and turn on the computer.
Before using the computer, update and protect your computer. Reinstall any virus and security software that was installed before the System Recovery.
Reinstall any software applications that were after puchasing the computer, and any files that were backed up.