User Guide - Windows 7

11 Backup and recovery
Your computer includes HP and Windows tools to help you safeguard your information and retrieve it
if you ever need to. These tools will help you return your computer to a proper working state, all with
simple steps. This section provides information about the following processes:
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Creating recovery media and backups
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Restoring and recovering your system
Creating recovery media and backups
Recovery after a system failure is only as good as your most recent backup.
1. After you successfully set up the computer, create HP Recovery media. This step creates a
Windows 7 operating system DVD and a Driver Recovery DVD. The Windows DVD can be used
to reinstall the original operating system in cases where the hard drive is corrupted or has been
replaced. The Driver Recovery DVD installs specific drivers and applications. See Creating
recovery media with HP Recovery Disc Creator on page 68.
2. Use Windows Backup and Recovery tools to perform the following:
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Back up individual files and folders
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Back up your entire hard drive (select models only)
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Create system repair discs (select models only) with the installed optical drive (select
models only) or an optional external optical drive
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Create system restore points
NOTE: This guide describes an overview of backing up, restoring, and recovering options. For more
details about the tools provided, see Help and Support. To access Help and Support, select Start >
Help and Support.
NOTE: HP recommends that you print the recovery procedures and save them for later use, in case
of system instability.
In case of system failure, you can use the backup files to restore the contents of your computer. See
Backing up your information on page 69.
Guidelines
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When creating recovery media or backing up to discs, use any of the following types of discs
(purchased separately): DVD+R, DVD+R DL, DVD-R, DVD-R DL, or DVD±RW. The discs you
use will depend on the type of optical drive you are using.
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Be sure that the computer is connected to AC power before you start the recovery media
creation process or the backup process.
Creating recovery media with HP Recovery Disc Creator
HP Recovery Disc Creator is a software program that offers an alternative way to create recovery
media. After you successfully set up the computer, you can create recovery media using HP
Recovery Disc Creator. This recovery media allows you to reinstall your original operating system as
68 Chapter 11 Backup and recovery