Getting Started

There are two types of recovery media. To determine which steps to follow for your computer:
1. Select the Start button.
2. Select All Programs.
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If Security and Protection is listed, continue with the steps in Creating recovery media using HP
Recovery Manager (select models only) on page 23.
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If Productivity and Tools is listed, continue with the steps in Creating recovery discs with HP
Recovery Disc Creator (select models only) on page 24.
Creating recovery media using HP Recovery Manager (select models only)
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To create recovery discs, your computer must have a DVD writer. Use DVD+R or DVD-R discs (purchased
separately). The discs you use will depend on the type of optical drive you are using.
NOTE: DVD+R DL, DVD-R DL, or DVD±RW disc are not supported.
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You have the option of creating a recovery USB ash drive instead, using a high-quality USB drive.
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If you are creating recovery discs, be sure to use high-quality discs. It is normal for the system to reject
defective discs. You will be prompted to insert a new blank disc to try again.
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The number of discs in the recovery-disc set depends on your computer model (typically 3 to 6 DVDs).
The Recovery Media Creation program tells you the specic number of blank discs needed to make the
set. If you are using a USB ash drive, the program will tell you the size of the drive required to store all
the data (minimum of 8 GB).
NOTE: The process of creating recovery media is lengthy. You can quit the process at any time. The
next time you initiate the process, it resumes where it left o.
NOTE: Do not use media cards for creating recovery media. The system may not be able to boot up from a
media card and you may not be able to run system recovery.
To create recovery discs:
1. Close all open programs.
2. Select the Start button, select All Programs, select Security and Protection, select Recovery Manager,
and then select HP Recovery Media Creation. If prompted, select Yes to allow the program to continue.
3. Select Create recovery media using blank DVD(s) and then select Next.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions. Label each disc after you make it (for example, Recovery 1, Recovery
2), and then store the discs in a secure place.
To create a recovery USB ash drive:
NOTE: You must use a USB ash drive with a capacity of at least 8 GB.
NOTE: Recovery Media Creation formats the USB ash drive, deleting any les on it.
1. Close all open programs.
2. Insert the USB ash drive into a USB port on the computer.
3. Select the Start button, select All Programs, select Security and Protection, select Recovery Manager,
and then select Recovery Media Creation.
4. Select Create recovery media with a USB ash drive and then select Next.
Creating recovery media 23