User guide

1. If possible, back up all personal files.
2. If possible, check for the presence of the Windows partition.
To check for the Windows partition, select Start > Computer.
NOTE: If the Windows partition is not listed, you must recover your operating system and
programs using the Windows 7 operating system DVD and the
Driver Recovery media. For
additional information, see
Using Windows 7 operating system media on page 81.
3. If the Windows partition is listed, restart the computer, and then press f8 before the Windows
operating system loads.
4. Select Startup Repair.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions.
NOTE: For additional information on recovering information using the Windows tools, select Start >
Help and Support.
Using f11 recovery tools (select models only)
CAUTION: Using f11 completely erases hard drive contents and reformats the hard drive. All files
that you have created and any software that you have installed on the computer are permanently
removed. The f11 recovery tool reinstalls the operating system and HP programs and drivers that
were installed at the factory. Software not installed at the factory must be reinstalled.
To recover the original hard drive image using f11:
1. If possible, back up all personal files.
2. If possible, check for the presence of the HP Recovery partition: click Start, right-click Computer,
click Manage, and then click Disk Management.
NOTE: If the HP Recovery partition is not listed, you must recover your operating system and
programs using the Windows 7 operating system media and the
Driver Recovery media. For
additional information, see
Using Windows 7 operating system media on page 81.
3. If the HP Recovery partition is listed, restart the computer, and then press esc while the “Press
the ESC key for Startup Menu” message is displayed at the bottom of the screen.
4. Press f11 while the “Press <F11> for recovery” message is displayed on the screen.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions.
Using Windows 7 operating system media
If you cannot use the recovery media you previously created using the HP Recovery Disc Creator
(select models only), you must purchase a Windows 7 operating system DVD to reboot the computer
and repair the operating system.
To order a Windows 7 operating system DVD, go to the HP website. For U.S. support, go to
http://www.hp.com/support. For worldwide support, go to http://welcome.hp.com/country/us/en/
wwcontact_us.html. You can also order the DVD by calling support. For contact information, see the
Worldwide Telephone Numbers booklet included with the computer.
CAUTION: Using a Windows 7 operating system DVD completely erases hard drive contents and
reformats the hard drive. All files that you have created and any software that you have installed on
the computer are permanently removed. When reformatting is complete, the recovery process helps
you restore the operating system, as well as drivers, software, and utilities.
Performing a system recovery 81