Things To Do After Performing a System Recovery in Windows XP

HP and Compaq Desktop PCs - Things To Do After Performing a System Recovery in Windows XP
Security level: Public
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This document pertains to HP and Compaq Desktop computers with Windows XP.

After performing a normal or full system recovery, the computer is more open to security problems because it does not contain the most recent security updates. Use the following sections to ensure the computer is properly updated and secure.



NOTE: If you performed a non-destructive recovery and you want to find your previous documents and files, first, use the steps in this document to make sure that your computer is properly set up, and then use the HP support document Unable to Access Data from User Accounts after a System Recovery in Windows XP to retrieve your files from the previous user account.

First, determine whether or not your computer with Windows XP has service pack 2 installed and use the appropriate section in this document.


Click Start, right-click My Computer, and select Properties.

On the General tab, under System, the Service Pack version is listed.

If Service Pack 2 or greater is listed, use the section Service Pack 2 is preinstalled .

If a Service Pack is not listed or if Service Pack 1 is listed, use the section Service Pack 2 is not preinstalled .


Service Pack 2 is preinstalled

Disconnect the network and the modem cable if any are connected into the PC.

Make sure the Windows Firewall is enabled as follows:



NOTE: Your HP or Compaq PC may have come with a trial version of Norton Personal Firewall. As an option, you can use Norton Personal Firewall instead of Windows firewall.

Click Start, and then Control Panel.

Click Security Center .

If the Firewall is Off, click Recommendations, Enable Now, Close the window that pops up, and then click OK.

Close the Security Center and the Control Panel windows.

With the firewall enabled, reconnect the network or modem cables to the computer and setup your Internet connection.

Once connected, download all available critical updates from www.windowsupdate.com (in English).

Make sure Automatic Updates is enabled as follows:

Click Start, and right-click My Computer.

Select Properties, and click the Automatic Updates tab.

Select Automatic or a choice that is more suitable for your schedule.

Click OK when done.

Open Norton Anti-Virus, register the software, and then use the Liveupdate feature to download all available updates and virus definitions. Repeat running live update until there are no more updates available.



NOTE: If you purchased a different version of antivirus software, install the software and use its update feature to attain all the latest updates.

Open the spyware scanning software that came with your computer and use its update feature to obtain the the latest updates to protect against spyware (SpySubtract, Norton Internet Security 2006/2007).



NOTE: If your computer does not have antispyware software, it may be a good idea to install one at this time.

Lastly, set a System Restore Point as follows (if the computer needs to be restored to an earlier date, you will not have to do all previous steps again):

Click Start, All Programs, Accessories, and then System Tools.

Click System Restore.

Select Create a Restore Point and click Next.

Name the Restore Point something you will remember.

Click Create, and close System Restore when done.

Update software and drivers. For more information refer to the HP support document Obtaining Software and Drivers .



NOTE: BIOS and firmware updates for devices do not need to be re-applied after performing a system recovery.


Your computer is now up to date.

Service Pack 2 is not preinstalled

Disconnect the network and the modem cable if any are connected into the PC.

Setup the Internet connection, but do not connect network or modem cable yet. Use the software or instructions from your Internet Service Provider (AOL, MSN, and others).

Enable the Windows XP Firewall as follows:

Click Start, and then Control Panel.

Click Network and Internet connections, and then Network Connections.



NOTE: Some Internet Service Providers, such as AOL, may not allow the Microsoft Firewall to be enabled while setting up the account. If this is the case, you may have to set up the account before enabling Windows Firewall.

Right-click the Internet connection (either Local Area Connection or the appropriate icon under Dial up) and select Properties.

Click the Advanced tab, and select Protect my computer and network by limiting or preventing access to this computer from the internet.

Click OK, and close Control Panel.

With the firewall enabled, reconnect the network or modem cables to the computer.

Download and install all applicable Service Pack Updates from HP before installing Service Pack 2 in the next step. For more information, refer to the HP support document, HP and Compaq Desktop PCs - Important Information for Upgrading to Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 2 .

Download and install all available critical updates, including Service Pack 2 from Microsoft at http://www.windowsupdate.com (in English).

For more information about Service Pack 2 refer to Microsofts Service Pack 2 Web site (in English).

Open Norton Anti-Virus, register the software, and then use the Liveupdate feature to download all available updates and virus definitions. Repeat running live update until there are no more updates available.



NOTE: If you purchased a different version of antivirus software, install the software and use its update feature to attain all the latest updates.

Open the spyware scanning software that came with your computer and use its update feature to obtain the the latest updates to protect against spyware (SpySubtract, Norton Internet Security 2006/2007).



NOTE: If your computer does not have antispyware software, it may be a good idea to install one at this time.

Lastly, set a System Restore Point as follows (if the computer needs to be restored to an earlier date, you will not have to do all previous steps again):

Click Start, All Programs, Accessories, and then System Tools.

Click System Restore.

Select Create a Restore Point and click Next.

Name the Restore Point something you will remember.

Click Create, and close System Restore when done.

Update software and drivers. For more information refer to the HP support document Obtaining Software and Drivers .


Your computer is now up to date.