To perform a System Recovery using recovery media:

1.If you are using a set of DVDs, insert the first recovery disc into the DVD drive tray, and close the tray. If you are using a recovery USB flash drive, insert it into a USB port.

2.Click the Start button, and then click Shut Down. or

If the computer is not responding, press and hold the power button for approximately 5 seconds or until the computer turns off.

3.Disconnect all peripheral devices from the computer except the monitor, keyboard, and mouse.

4.Press the power button to turn on the computer, and press Esc as the computer is powering on to display the startup menu.

5.Use the arrow keys to select the boot menu, and press Enter. Use the arrow keys to select the location where the recovery media is inserted (USB or DVD). Press Enter to boot from that device.

6.If Recovery Manager asks if you want to run System Recovery from Media or Hard Drive, select Media. On the Welcome screen, under I need help immediately, click Factory Reset.

7.If you are prompted to back up your files, and you have not done so, select Back up your files first (recommended), and then click Next. Otherwise, select Recover without backing up your files, and then click Next.

8.If you are prompted to insert the next recovery disc, do so.

9.When Recovery Manager is finished, remove the recovery disc or the recovery USB flash drive from the system.

10.Click Finish to restart the computer.

Using HP Recovery Disc operating system discs (select models only)

Use the steps provided in this section if you used HP Recovery Disc Creator to create a Windows 7 operating system DVD and a Driver Recovery DVD. If you created recovery media using Creating recovery media using HP Recovery Manager (select models only) on page 7. use the steps in System Recovery using recovery media (select models only) on page 11.

If you cannot use the recovery discs you previously created using the HP Recovery Disc Creator (select models only), you must purchase a Windows 7 operating system DVD to reboot the computer and repair the operating system.

To order a Windows 7 operating system DVD, contact support. Go to http://www.hp.com/support, select your country or region, and follow the on-screen instructions.

CAUTION: Using a Windows 7 operating system DVD completely erases the 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. When reformatting is complete, the recovery process helps you restore the operating system, as well as drivers, software, and utilities.

To initiate recovery using a Windows 7 operating system DVD:

12 Chapter 1 Getting Started in Windows 7