HP 311c-1070EF manual Creating recovery discs, Backing up your information

Backup and recovery

Creating recovery discs

HP recommends that you create recovery discs to be sure that you can restore your system to its original factory state if you experience serious system failure or instability. Create these discs after setting up the computer for the first time.

Handle these discs carefully and keep them in a safe place. The software allows the creation of only one set of recovery discs.

✎If your computer does not include an internal optical drive, you can use an optional external optical drive (purchased separately) to create recovery discs, or you can purchase recovery discs for your computer from the HP Web site.

Note the following guidelines before creating recovery discs:

■You will need high-quality DVD-R, DVD+R, BD-R (writable Blu-ray), or CD-R discs. All these discs are purchased separately. DVDs and BDs have a much higher capacity than CDs. If you use CDs, up to 20 discs may be required, whereas only a few DVDs or BDs are required.

✎Read-write discs, such as CD-RW, DVD±RW, double-layer DVD±RW, and BD-RE (rewritable Blu-ray) discs, are not compatible with the Recovery Manager software.

■The computer must be connected to AC power during this process.

■Only one set of recovery discs can be created per computer.

■Number each disc before inserting it into the optical drive.

■If necessary, you can exit the program before you have finished creating the recovery discs. The next time you open Recovery Manager, you will be prompted to continue the disc creation process.

To create a set of recovery discs:

1.Select Start > All Programs > Recovery Manager > Recovery Disc Creation.

2.Follow the on-screen instructions.

Backing up your information

As you add new software and data files, you should back up your system on a regular basis to maintain a reasonably current backup. Back up your system at the following times:

■At regularly scheduled times

✎ Set reminders to back up your information periodically.

■Before the computer is repaired or restored

■Before you add or modify hardware or software

Note the following when backing up:

■Create system restore points using the Windows® System Restore feature, and periodically copy them to disc.

■Store personal files in the Documents library and back up this folder periodically.

■Back up templates stored in their associated programs.

■Save customized settings 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 copy the screen and paste it into a word-processing document, follow these steps:

1.Display the screen.

2.Copy the screen:

8–2 Maintenance and Service Guide