CAUTION: Using Startup Repair completely erases hard drive contents and reformats 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 and the HP Recovery partition. To find the partitions, select Start > Computer.

NOTE: If the Windows partition and the HP Recovery partition have been deleted, you must recover your operating system and programs using the Windows Vista operating system DVD and the Driver Recovery disc (both purchased separately). For additional information, refer to Using a Windows Vista operating system DVD (purchased separately) on page 53.

3.Restart the computer, and then press f8 before the Windows operating system loads.

4.Select Repair your computer.

5.Follow the on-screen instructions.

NOTE: For additional information on recovering information using the Windows tools, perform a search for these topics in Help and Support.

Using f11 recovery tools

CAUTION: Using f11 completely erases hard drive contents and reformats the hard drive. All files you have created and any software 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. Personal files must be restored from a backup.

NOTE: If your computer includes a solid-state drive (SSD), you may not have a recovery partition. Recovery discs have been included for computers that do not have a partition. Use these discs to recover your operating system and software. To check for the presence of a recovery partition, select Start > Computer. If the partition is present, an HP Recovery drive is listed in the Hard Disk Drives section of the window.

To recover the original hard drive image using f11, follow these steps:

1.If possible, back up all personal files.

2.If possible, check for the presence of the HP Recovery partition. To find the partition, select Start > Computer.

NOTE: If the HP Recovery partition has been deleted, you must recover your operating system and programs using the Windows Vista operating system DVD and the Driver Recovery disc (both purchased separately). For additional information, refer to Using a Windows Vista operating system DVD (purchased separately) on page 53.

3.Turn on or 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 a Windows Vista operating system DVD (purchased separately)

To order a Windows Vista 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

Windows Vista 53