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.
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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.
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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:
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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.
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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.
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For additional information on recovering information using the Windows tools, perform a search for these topics 
in Help and Support.