8 Backing up, restoring, and recovering
You can use Windows tools or HP software to back up your information, create a restore point, reset your 
computer, create recovery media, or restore your computer to its factory state. Performing these standard 
procedures can return your computer to a working state faster.
IMPORTANT: If you will be performing recovery procedures on a tablet, the tablet battery must be at least 
70% charged before you start the recovery process.
IMPORTANT: For a tablet with a detachable keyboard, connect the tablet to the keyboard base before 
beginning any recovery process.
Backing up information and creating recovery media
These methods of creating recovery media and backups are available on select products only.
Using Windows tools for backing up
HP recommends that you back up your information immediately after initial setup. You can do this task either 
using Windows Backup locally with an external USB drive or using online tools.
IMPORTANT: Windows is the only option that allows you to back up your personal information. Schedule 
regular backups to avoid information loss.
NOTE: If computer storage is 32 GB or less, Microsoft® System Restore is disabled by default.
Using the HP Cloud Recovery Download Tool to create recovery media (select 
products only)
You can use the HP Cloud Recovery Download Tool to create HP Recovery media on a bootable USB ash drive.
For details:
▲ Go to http://www.hp.com, search for HP Cloud Recovery, and then select the result that matches the 
type of computer that you have.
NOTE: If you cannot create recovery media yourself, contact support to obtain recovery discs. Go to 
http://www.hp.com/support, select your country or region, and then follow the on-screen instructions.
IMPORTANT: HP recommends that you follow the Restoring and recovery methods on page 75 to restore 
your computer before you obtain and use the HP recovery discs. Using a recent backup can return your 
machine to a working state sooner than using the HP recovery discs. After the system is restored, reinstalling 
all the operating system software released since your initial purchase can be a lengthy process.
Restoring and recovering your system
You have several tools available to recover your system both within and outside of Windows if the desktop 
cannot load.
HP recommends that you attempt to restore your system using the Restoring and recovery methods 
on page 75.
74 Chapter 8   Backing up, restoring, and recovering