Recovering from Software Problems
The PC uses the operating system and installed software programs during normal operation. If your PC works improperly or stops because of the software, you may be able to repair it.
Some software repairs are as simple as restarting your PC, and others require performing a System Recovery from files on your hard disk drive.
Your hard disk drive contains a System Recovery image that includes all the software files that were originally installed on your PC at the factory. In the unlikely event that you need to recover your system, it is easy to do so using this recovery image.
Since all the necessary information is contained in the System Recovery image on your hard disk drive, recovery discs are not included in the accessory box.
As a backup, you can make your own copy of this system recovery image onto CD or DVD discs as described in “Creating System Recovery Discs“ later in this document.
You should also make a Compaq Recovery Tools CD. This CD contains utilities that allow you to make changes to your hard disk drive. See “Creating a Recovery Tools CD“ for more information.
NOTE: It is important that you perform the PC repair methods in the order described in this document.
PC Repair Overview
This section lists the available methods to fix your PC if you are experiencing software problems. Detailed instructions about each method are in the sections that follow. You must perform the procedures in the order listed here.
•Restarting your PC
•Turning off your PC
•Updating drivers
•Microsoft System Restore
•Application Recovery and Driver Recovery
•System Recovery
NOTE: If you are replacing a hard disk drive, you only have to run the System Recovery.
Additionally, your PC may include a Software Repair Wizard (select models only). You can use this wizard to access many of the repair methods described in this chapter, including:
•Creating System Recovery discs
•Microsoft System Restore
•Application Recovery and Driver Recovery
•System Recovery
You can start the Software Repair Wizard by double- clicking the desktop icon or clicking Start, All Programs, PC Help & Tools, and then Software Repair Wizard.
Restarting Your PC
Restarting is the simplest repair method for your PC. When you restart, the PC reloads the operating system and software into its memory.
To restart your PC:
1Close all open programs and windows.
2Click Start.
3Choose Turn Off Computer.
4Click Restart.
Turning Off Your PC
When you turn off your PC and then turn it on again, you force the PC to reload the operating system into its memory, which clears some tracking information. This may eliminate some problems that can remain after performing a restart.
To turn off your PC:
1Close all open programs and windows.
2Click Start.
3Choose Turn Off Computer.
4Click Turn Off.
5Start your PC by pressing the On button.
PC Troubleshooting and System Recovery Guide 1