Troubleshooting and Maintenance Guide

Repairing Software Problems 25
System Recovery
After you have tried the previously mentioned methods of repairing your computer, you
can run a System Recovery as a last resort to reinstall the factory-shipped operating
system, software programs, and hardware drivers.
System Recovery — Completely erases and reformats the hard disk drive — this
includes deleting all data files you have created. System Recovery reinstalls the operating
system, programs, and drivers. However, you must reinstall any software that was not
installed on the computer at the factory. This includes software that came on CDs included
in the computer accessory box, and software programs you installed since your purchase.
Additionally, you have to choose from the following methods for performing a System
Recovery:
Recovery Image — Run the recovery from a recovery image stored on your hard disk
drive. The recovery image is a file that contains a copy of the original factory-shipped
software. To perform a System Recovery from the recovery image on your hard disk drive,
see “Running System Recovery from the Hard Disk Drive” on page 27.
Recovery Discs — Run the System Recovery from a set of recovery discs (CDs or DVDs)
that you create from files stored on your hard disk drive. To create recovery discs, perform
the procedure in the next section.
Creating Recovery Discs
Complete the procedure described in this section to create a set of recovery discs from the
recovery image stored on your hard disk drive. This image contains the operating system
and software program files that were originally installed on your computer at the factory.
You can create only one set of recovery discs for your computer. The recovery discs you
create can only be used with your computer.
After creating the recovery discs, you can delete the recovery image if you would like to
make extra space available on your hard disk drive.
NOTE: If your computer includes an HP Personal Media Drive (select models only), you
must remove it before starting the System Recovery program.
NOTE: The recovery image uses a portion of the hard disk drive that cannot be used for
data storage.
NOTE: Do not delete the recovery image unless you have made recovery CDs or DVDs.