10 Backing Up, Restoring, And Recovering; Creating A Restore Image; Creating Restore Image On Dvds - HP Computer User Manual

10 Backing up, restoring, and recovering

Recovery after a system failure is as good as your most recent backup. As you add new software and
data files, you should continue to back up your system on a regular basis to maintain a reasonably
current backup.

Creating a restore image

The Recovery Media Creator allows you to repair or restore the computer to its original factory state.
You can create restore image DVDs using DVD±RW optical drives. You can also create a restore
image on a USB device.
CAUTION:
files you have created and any software installed on the computer are permanently removed. The
recovery tool reinstalls the original operating system and programs and drivers that were installed at
the factory. Software, drivers, and updates not installed at the factory must be manually reinstalled.
Your data files and personal files must be restored from a backup.
NOTE: HP recommends that you create the restore image in the event of a system failure.

Creating restore image on DVDs

You can use Recovery Media Creator or the restore creation software to create a set of system
restore discs using blank, writable DVDs (DVD-R or DVD+R). HP recommends using blank DVD+R
discs from a manufacturer you trust, because these recovery DVDs are so important. HP
recommends having up to 3 blank DVD+R discs available for the restore image. If you use more than
one disc, label each disc with the order in which it was created. Numbering the discs will ensure that
you have them in the correct order if you need to restore the computer to its original factory state.
To create restore DVDs using the Recovery Media Creator:
1. Click the Dash Home icon at the far left of the top panel, and then enter recovery in the Search
box. Select Recovery Media Creator.
2. On the Please choose media type window, click the DVD icon.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions.
To create restore DVDs using the restore creation software:
1. Click the System menu icon at the far right of the top panel, and then click System Settings >
Backup.
2. Select Storage from the panel on the left side of the window, click the down-arrow next to
Backup Location, select the Local Folder, and then click the Choose Folder button. Select the
DVD from the panel on the left side of the window, and click OK.
3. Select Overview from the panel on the left side of the window, and then click Back Up Now.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions.
Using Restore completely erases hard drive contents and reformats the hard drive. All
Creating a restore image 43