Using the Windows recovery tools

To recover information you previously backed up, see Windows Help and Support for steps on restoring files and folders.

To recover your information using Automatic 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 Recovery Image partition and the Windows partition. From the Start screen, type file, and then click File Explorer.

– or –

From the Start screen, type pc, and then select This PC.

NOTE: If the Windows partition and the Recovery Image partition are not listed, you must recover your operating system and programs using the Windows operating system DVD and the Driver Recovery media (both purchased separately). For additional information, see Using Windows operating system media (purchased separately) on page 64.

3.If the Windows partition and the Recovery Image partition are listed, restart the computer by pressing and holding the shift key while clicking Restart.

4.Select Troubleshoot, select Advanced Options, and then select Startup 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 Windows Help and Support.

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 Recovery Image partition: From the Start screen, type pc, and then select This PC.

NOTE: If the Recovery Image partition is not listed, you must recover your operating system and programs using the Windows operating system media and the Driver Recovery media (both purchased separately). For additional information, see Using Windows operating system media (purchased separately) on page 64.

3.If the Recovery Image 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.

Windows 8.1