9 Backup and recovery
Windows 8
To protect your information, use Windows backup and restore utilities to back up individual files and folders, back up your entire hard drive, create system repair media (select models only) by using the installed optical drive (select models only) or an optional external optical drive, or create system restore points. In case of system failure, you can use the backup files to restore the contents of your computer.
From the Start screen, type restore, click Settings, and then select from the list of displayed options.
NOTE: For detailed instructions on various backup and restore options, perform a search for these topics in HP Support Assistant. To access HP Support Assistant from the Start screen, select the
HP Support Assistant app.
In case of system instability, HP recommends that you print the recovery procedures and save them for later use.
NOTE: Windows includes the User Account Control feature to improve the security of your computer.
You may be prompted for your permission or password for tasks such as installing software, running utilities, or changing Windows settings. Refer to HP Support Assistant. To access HP Support Assistant from the Start screen, select the HP Support Assistant app.
Backing up your information
Recovery after a system failure is as good as your most recent backup. You should create system repair media and your initial backup immediately after initial system setup. As you add new software and data files, you should continue to back up your system on a regular basis to maintain a reasonably current backup. The system repair media (select models only) are used to start up (boot) the computer and repair the operating system in case of system instability or failure. Your initial and subsequent backups allow you to restore your data and settings if a failure occurs.
On Start screen, type backup, click Settings, and then select Save backup copies of your files
with File History.
You can back up your information to an optional external hard drive or a network drive.
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Note the following when backing up:
● Store personal files in the Documents library, and back it up regularly.
● Back up templates that are stored in their associated programs.
● Save customized settings that appear in a window, toolbar, or menu bar by taking a screen shot of your settings. The screen shot can be a time-saver if you have to reset your preferences.
To create a backup using Backup and Restore:
NOTE: Be sure that the computer is connected to AC power before you start the backup process.
NOTE: The backup process may take over an hour, depending on file size and the speed of the computer.
1.
From the Start screen, type backup, click Settings, and then select from the list of displayed options.
2.
Follow the on-screen instructions to set up your backup, create a system image (select models only), or create system repair media (select models only).
Performing a system recovery
In case of system failure or instability, the computer provides the following tools to recover your files:
● Windows recovery tools: You can use Windows Backup and Restore to recover information you have previously backed up. You can also use Windows Automatic Repair to fix problems that might prevent Windows from starting correctly.
● f11 recovery tools: You can use the f11 recovery tools to recover your original hard drive image.
The image includes the Windows operating system and software programs installed at the factory.
NOTE: If you are unable to boot (start up) your computer and you cannot use the system repair media you previously created (select models only), you must purchase Windows 8 operating system media to reboot the computer and repair the operating system. For additional information, see
Using
Windows 8 operating system media (purchased separately) on page 132 .
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Using the Windows recovery tools
To recover information you previously backed up:
▲ Access HP Support Assistant. To access HP Support Assistant from the Start screen, select the HP
Support Assistant app.
To recover your information using Automatic Repair, follow these steps:
CAUTION: Some Automatic Repair options will completely erase and reformat the hard drive. All files you have created and any software installed on the computer are permanently removed. When reformatting is complete, the recovery process restores the operating system, as well as the drivers, software, and utilities from the backup used for recovery.
1.
If possible, back up all personal files.
2.
If possible, check for the presence of the HP Recovery partition and the Windows partition. From the Start screen, type e, and then click File Explorer.
– or –
From the Start screen, type c, and then select Computer.
NOTE: If the Windows partition and the HP Recovery partition are not listed, you must recover your operating system and programs using the Windows 8 operating system DVD and the Driver
Recovery media (both purchased separately). For additional information, see
Using Windows 8 operating system media (purchased separately) on page 132
.
3.
If the Windows partition and the HP Recovery partition are listed, restart the computer. After
Windows has loaded, press and hold the shift key while clicking Restart.
4.
Select Troubleshoot, then select Advanced Options, and then select Automatic Repair.
5.
Follow the on-screen instructions.
NOTE: For additional information on recovering information using the Windows tools, perform a search for these topics in HP Support Assistant. To access HP Support Assistant from the Start screen, select the HP Support Assistant app.
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Using f11 recovery tools
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: From the Start screen, type C, and then select Computer.
NOTE: If the HP Recovery partition is not listed, you must recover your operating system and programs using the Windows 8 operating system media and the Driver Recovery media (both purchased separately). For additional information, see
Using Windows 8 operating system media
(purchased separately) on page 132 .
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 display on the screen.
5.
Follow the on-screen instructions.
Using Windows 8 operating system media (purchased separately)
To order a Windows 8 operating system DVD, go to http://www.hp.com/support , select your country or region, and follow the on-screen instructions. 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 8 operating system media 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.
To initiate recovery using a Windows 8 operating system DVD:
NOTE: This process takes several minutes.
1.
If possible, back up all personal files.
2.
Restart the computer, and then insert the Windows 8 operating system DVD into the optical drive before the Windows operating system loads.
3.
When prompted, press any keyboard key.
4.
Follow the on-screen instructions.
After the repair is completed:
1.
Eject the Windows 8 operating system media and then insert the Driver Recovery media.
2.
Install the Hardware Enabling Drivers first, and then install Recommended Applications.
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Using Windows Refresh for quick and easy recovery
When your computer is not working properly and you need to regain system stability, the Windows
Refresh option allows you to start fresh and keep what is important to you.
IMPORTANT: Refresh removes any traditional applications that were not originally installed on the system at the factory.
NOTE: During Refresh, a list of removed traditional applications will be saved so that you have a quick way to see what you might need to reinstall. See HP Support Assistant for instructions on reinstalling traditional applications. To access HP Support Assistant from the Start screen, select the HP
Support Assistant app.
NOTE: You may be prompted for your permission or password when using Refresh. See HP Support
Assistant for more information. To access HP Support Assistant from the Start screen, select the HP
Support Assistant app.
To start Refresh:
1.
From the Start screen, point to the far-right upper or lower corner of the screen to display the charms.
2.
Click Settings.
3.
Click Change PC settings in the bottom-right corner of the screen, and then select General from the PC settings screen.
4.
Scroll the right-side choices down to display Refresh your PC without affecting your files.
5.
Under Refresh your PC without affecting your files, select Get started, and follow the onscreen instructions.
Remove everything and reinstall Windows
Sometimes you want to perform detailed reformatting of your computer, or you want to remove personal information before you give away or recycle your computer. The process described in this section provides a speedy, simple way to return the computer to its original state. This option removes all personal data, apps, and settings from your computer, and reinstalls Windows.
IMPORTANT: This option does not provide backups of your information. Before using this option, back up any personal information you wish to retain.
You can initiate this option by using the f11 key or from the Start screen.
To use the f11 key:
1.
Press f11 while the computer boots.
– or –
Press and hold f11 as you press the power button.
2.
Choose your language.
3.
Choose your keyboard layout.
Windows 8 133
4.
Select Troubleshoot from the boot options menu.
5.
Select Reset your PC, and follow the on-screen instructions.
To use the Start screen:
1.
From the Start screen, point to the far-right upper or lower corner of the screen to display the charms.
2.
Click Settings.
3.
Click Change PC settings in the bottom-right corner of the screen, and then select General from the PC settings screen.
4.
Scroll the right-side choices down to display Remove everything and reinstall Windows.
5.
Under Remove everything and reinstall Windows, select Get started, and follow the onscreen instructions.
Using HP Software Setup
HP Software Setup can be used to reinstall drivers or select software that has been corrupted or deleted from the system.
1.
From the Start screen, type HP Software Setup, and select Apps.
2.
Open HP Software Setup.
3.
Follow the on-screen directions to reinstall drivers or select software.
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Windows 7
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:
● Creating recovery media and backups
● 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 136 .
2.
Use Windows Backup and Recovery tools to perform the following:
● Back up individual files and folders
● Back up your entire hard drive (select models only)
● Create system repair discs (select models only) with the installed optical drive (select models only) or an optional external optical drive
● 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 136 .
Guidelines
● 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.
● Be sure that the computer is connected to AC power before you start the recovery media creation process or the backup process.
Windows 7 135
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 well as select drivers and applications if the hard drive becomes corrupted. HP Recovery Disc Creator can create two kinds of recovery DVDs:
● Windows 7 operating system DVD—Installs the operating system without additional drivers or applications.
● Driver Recovery DVD—Installs specific drivers and applications only, in the same way that the HP
Software Setup utility installs drivers and applications.
Creating recovery media
NOTE: The Windows 7 operating system DVD can be created only once. Thereafter, the option to create that media will not be available after you create a Windows DVD.
To create the Windows DVD:
1.
Select Start > All Programs > Productivity and Tools > HP Recovery Disc Creator.
2.
Select Windows disk.
3.
From the drop-down menu, select the drive for burning the recovery media.
4.
Click the Create button to start the burning process.
After the Windows 7 operating system DVD has been created, create the Driver Recovery DVD:
1.
Select Start > All Programs > Productivity and Tools > HP Recovery Disc Creator.
2.
Select Driver disk.
3.
From the drop-down menu, select the drive for burning the recovery media.
4.
Click the Create button to start the burning process.
Backing up your information
You should create system repair media and your initial backup immediately after initial system setup.
As you add new software and data files, you should continue to back up your system on a regular basis to maintain a reasonably current backup. You should also create Windows system repair media
(select models only) which can be used to start up (boot) the computer and repair the operating system in case of system instability or failure. Your initial and subsequent backups allow you to restore your data and settings if a failure occurs.
You can back up your information to an optional external hard drive, a network drive, or discs.
Note the following when backing up:
● Store personal files in the Documents library, and back it up regularly.
● Back up templates that are stored in their associated directories.
136 Chapter 9 Backup and recovery
● Save customized settings that appear in a window, toolbar, or menu bar by taking a screen shot of your settings. The screen shot can be a time-saver if you have to reset your preferences.
● When backing up to discs, number each disc after removing it from the drive.
NOTE: For detailed instructions on various backup and restore options, perform a search for these topics in Help and Support. To access Help and Support, select Start > Help and Support.
NOTE: Windows includes the User Account Control feature to improve the security of your computer.
You may be prompted for your permission or password for tasks such as installing software, running utilities, or changing Windows settings. Refer to Help and Support. To access Help and Support, select
Start > Help and Support.
To create a backup using Windows Backup and Restore:
NOTE: The backup process may take over an hour, depending on file size and the speed of the computer.
1.
Select Start > All Programs > Maintenance > Backup and Restore.
2.
Follow the on-screen instructions to set up your backup, create a system image (select models only), or create system repair media (select models only).
Performing a system recovery
In case of system failure or instability, the computer provides the following tools to recover your files:
● Windows recovery tools: You can use Windows Backup and Restore to recover information you have previously backed up. You can also use Windows Startup Repair to fix problems that might prevent Windows from starting correctly.
● f11 recovery tools (select models only): You can use the f11 recovery tools to recover your original hard drive image. The image includes the Windows operating system and software programs installed at the factory.
NOTE: If you are unable to boot (start up) your computer and you cannot use the system repair media you previously created (select models only), you must purchase Windows 7 operating system media to reboot the computer and repair the operating system. For additional information, see
Using
Windows 7 operating system media on page 139
.
Windows 7 137
Using the Windows recovery tools
Using the Windows recovery tools, you can:
● Recover individual files
● Restore the computer to a previous system restore point
● Recover information using recovery tools
NOTE: For detailed instructions on various recovery and restore options, perform a search for these topics in Help and Support. To access Help and Support, select Start > Help and Support.
NOTE: Windows includes the User Account Control feature to improve the security of your computer.
You may be prompted for your permission or password for tasks such as installing software, running utilities, or changing Windows settings. Refer to Help and Support. To access Help and Support, select
Start > Help and Support.
To recover information you previously backed up:
1.
Select Start > All Programs > Maintenance > Backup and Restore.
2.
Follow the on-screen instructions to recover your system settings, your computer (select models only), or your files.
To recover your information using Startup Repair, follow these steps:
CAUTION: Some Startup Repair options will completely erase and reformat the hard drive. All files you have created and any software installed on the computer are permanently removed. When reformatting is complete, the recovery process restores the operating system, as well as the drivers, software, and utilities from the backup used for recovery.
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 139 .
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.
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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 139 .
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.
To initiate recovery using a Windows 7 operating system DVD:
NOTE: This process takes several minutes.
1.
If possible, back up all personal files.
2.
Restart the computer, and then insert the Windows 7 operating system DVD into the optical drive before the Windows operating system loads.
3.
When prompted, press any keyboard key.
4.
Follow the on-screen instructions.
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5.
Click Next.
6.
Select Repair your computer.
7.
Follow the on-screen instructions.
After the repair is completed:
1.
Eject the Windows 7 operating system DVD and then insert the Driver Recovery DVD.
2.
Install the Hardware Enabling Drivers first, and then install Recommended Applications.
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