System Recovery
When you’ve tried other methods of repairing your system software (like System Restore or Application Recovery), you may want to use the Compaq System Recovery program as a last resort to reinstall the software.
When necessary, you can reinstall the operating system and the application software that was originally installed on the PC at the factory by using the System Recovery program.
WARNING: The Compaq System Recovery program will delete any data or programs that you installed after purchase. Be sure to back up any data that you want to keep onto a removable disc.
In the unlikely event that you replace the hard disk drive, use recovery discs to reinstall the operating system and software on the hard disk drive.
System Recovery Using
Recovery Discs
The recovery discs provide two recovery options:
•Standard Recovery: This option recovers factory- shipped programs, drivers, and the operating system without affecting any data files that you may have created since purchasing this PC. Some data files may be difficult to find after the System Recovery, so it is best to back up all hard disk drive files before performing a System Recovery. However, you must reinstall any software that was not installed on the PC at the factory. This includes software that came on CDs included in the PC accessory box, and software programs you installed since your purchase.
•Full System Recovery: This recovery function completely erases and reformats the hard disk drive. The program performs a full System Recovery to reinstall the operating system, programs, and drivers from the recovery discs. However, you must reinstall any software that was not installed on the PC at the factory. This includes software that came on CDs included in the PC accessory box, and software programs you installed since your purchase.
NOTE: If your PC has a blank or corrupted hard disk drive, you will see only the full System Recovery option.
To Run System Recovery Program Using Recovery Discs:
1If the PC works, back up all data files that you want to save onto removable media, such as
2Press the Eject button on the top disc drive, and wait for the tray to open. Insert the Recovery disc and close the tray. Be sure to put the disc in a DVD drive.
3Turn off the PC:
•If the PC works: Click Start on the taskbar, click Turn Off Computer, and then click Turn Off.
Or
•Press and hold the On button approximately 5 seconds until the PC turns off.
4Disconnect all peripheral devices from the PC except the monitor, the keyboard, and the mouse.
5Press the On button to turn on the PC.
6The PC starts the recovery; wait for the onscreen instructions to display, and then follow those instructions.
•For standard recovery, press R. Choose Next to proceed with the System Recovery. Choose Yes to start the recovery.
Or
•For full System Recovery, press F. Choose Yes to perform a full System Recovery.
Or
•If your PC hard disk drive is blank or corrupted, press R to perform a full System Recovery.
7When the recovery program finishes, the drive tray ejects. Remove the disc.
8Click Restart to restart the PC.
9After the PC restarts, a series of startup screens appears. To proceed with the initial Microsoft Windows setup, you must answer a few questions.
10Complete the PC startup, finish the registration process, and wait until you see the desktop. Then, turn off the PC, reconnect all peripheral devices, and turn on the PC.
11Reinstall software not originally installed on the PC by the factory.
12Copy data files that you saved on the backup CD or diskette you made to your hard disk drive.
5
