Recovery after a system failure is only as good as your most recent backup.

1.After you successfully set up the computer, create recovery media. This media can be used to reinstall the original operating system in cases where the hard drive is corrupted or has been replaced. See Creating recovery media on page 9.

2.As you add hardware and software programs, create system restore points. A system restore point is a snapshot of certain hard drive contents saved by Windows System Restore at a specific time. A system restore point contains information that Windows uses, such as registry settings. Windows creates a system restore point for you automatically during a Windows update and during other system maintenance (such as a software update, security scanning, or system diagnostics). You can also manually create a system restore point at any time. For more information and steps for creating specific system restore points, see Help and Support. To access Help and Support, select Start > Help and Support.

3.As you add photos, video, music, and other personal files, create a backup of your personal information. If files are accidentally deleted from the hard drive and they can no longer be restored from the Recycle Bin, or if files become corrupted, you can restore the files that you backed up. 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 11.

NOTE: HP recommends that you print the recovery procedures and save them for later use, in case of system instability.

Creating recovery media

After you successfully set up the computer, create recovery media. The media can be used to reinstall the original operating system in cases where the hard drive is corrupted or has been replaced.

There are two types of recovery media. To determine which steps to follow for your computer:

1.Click the Start button.

2.Click All Programs.

●If Security and Protection is listed, continue with the steps in Creating recovery media using HP Recovery Manager (select models only) on page 9.

●If Productivity and Tools is listed, continue with the steps in Creating recovery discs with HP Recovery Disc Creator (select models only) on page 10.

Creating recovery media using HP Recovery Manager (select models only)

●To create recovery discs, your computer must have a DVD writer. Use DVD+R or DVD-R discs (purchased separately). The discs you use will depend on the type of optical drive you are using.

NOTE: DVD+R DL, DVD-R DL, or DVD±RW disc are not supported.

●You have the option of creating a recovery USB flash drive instead, using a high-quality USB drive.

Backing up, restoring, and recovering in Windows 7 and POSReady 7 9