Chapter 3. Recovering Software; Performing A Software Recovery - Lenovo ThinkCentre A30 Quick Reference Manual

Chapter 3. Recovering software

The Product Recovery Program will reinstall your computer operating system
and factory-installed software. The Product Recovery Program is located on a
separate partition on your hard disk. Be sure to read the important notes under
"Performing a recovery" before using the Product Recovery program. The
Product Recovery program runs independently of the operating system.

Performing a software recovery

Important
Understand the following information before recovering your software:
v Perform a recovery only as a last resort after you have tried using all
other diagnostic and troubleshooting tools.
v If possible, make backup copies of your data files before starting the
recovery process. The recovery process deletes all information that is
stored on the primary hard disk partition (usually drive C).
v If the Product Recovery program does not work or will not start as
described, see "Solving recovery problems" on page 12.
To recover your factory-installed software use the Product Recovery program
on the hard disk.
Note: Some models might have to use the Access IBM Predesktop Area to
perform a software recovery.
This section provides instructions for using this program. If you have any
problems running the Product Recovery program, see "Solving recovery
problems" on page 12.
To perform a software recovery, use the following procedure:
1. Make backup copies of your data files, if possible. Any files on the hard
disk that are not backed up will be lost during recovery.
2. Turn off your computer for at least 5 seconds. Press and hold the F11 key
while you press the power button to start the Product Recovery program.
Did the Product Recovery menu display?
Yes. Go to Step 3 on page 12.
No. Go to "Solving recovery problems" on page 12.
Note: If the Access IBM Predesktop Area displays, select Recover to factory
content or Restore your backups.
© Copyright IBM Corp. 2003
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