Performing Backup And Recovery Operations - Lenovo ThinkPad T550 User Manual

You can create recovery media using discs or external USB storage devices. To create recovery media,
you need a disc or USB storage device with at least 16 GB of storage. The required disc or USB capacity
depends on the size of the recovery image.
Attention: Creating recovery media will delete anything stored on the disc or USB storage device. To avoid
data loss, make a backup copy of all the data that you want to keep.
To create recovery media, click Start ➙ All Programs ➙ Lenovo ThinkVantage Tools ➙ Factory Recovery
Disks. Then, follow the instructions on the screen.
Using recovery media
This section provides instructions on how to use recovery media on different operating systems.
• You can use recovery media to restore the computer to the factory default settings only. You can use
recovery media to put the computer in an operational state after all other methods of recovery have failed.
Attention: When you use recovery media to restore the computer to the factory default settings, all the
files currently on the storage drive will be deleted and replaced by the factory default settings.
To use recovery media, do the following:
1. Depending on the type of your recovery media, connect the boot medium (memory key or other USB
storage device) to the computer, or insert the boot disc into the external optical drive.
2. Repeatedly press and release the F12 key when turning on the computer. When the Boot Menu
window opens, release the F12 key.
3. Select the desired startup device and press Enter. The restore process begins.
4. Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the operation.
Notes:
1. After restoring your computer to the factory default settings, you might have to reinstall device drivers
for some devices. See "Reinstalling preinstalled programs and device drivers" on page 117.
2. Some computers come with Microsoft Office or Microsoft Works preinstalled. If you need to recover
or reinstall your Microsoft Office or Microsoft Works programs, you must use the Microsoft Office CD
or Microsoft Works CD. These discs are provided only with computers preinstalled with Microsoft
Office or Microsoft Works.

Performing backup and recovery operations

The Rescue and Recovery program enables you to back up all your storage drive contents including the
operating system, data files, software programs, and personal settings. You can designate where the
Rescue and Recovery program stores the backup:
• In a protected area of your storage drive
• On an attached external USB hard disk drive
• On a network drive
• On recordable discs (a recordable optical drive is required for this option)
After you have backed up the contents on the storage drive, you can restore the complete contents of the
storage drive, restore only the selected files, or restore only the Windows operating system and applications.
Performing a backup operation
This section provides instructions on how to perform a backup operation using the Rescue and Recovery
program.
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User Guide