PrintHP recovery discs can be used to return a computer's software configuration to its original condition. HP provides a recovery solution on the hard drive, but it is still a good idea to keep recovery discs stored in a safe place in the event of a hard drive failure. Use the sections in this document to obtain a recovery solution that works best for you.
NOTE:HP computers designed for commercial use, such as Workstations or Pro series, use “Operating System” or “HP Restore Plus” DVDs. To order these types of discs, go to
the HP Replacement Part Store
.
Recovering your computer without recovery discs
You may not need recovery discs to recover the software on your computer. HP provides a recovery solution on a separate area of the hard drive. If the hard drive is still functional, you can still perform an HP system recovery from the hard drive as long as the recovery information has not been destroyed or corrupted.
To do a software recovery from the hard drive, turn on the computer and repeatedly press the F11
key until "Windows is loading files..." displays on the screen. If your computer originally came with Windows XP or earlier, press F10
to enter recovery instead of F11.
Creating recovery discs (or USB storage device solution)
Did you know that HP retail computers can create a set of recovery discs or can install a recovery solution to an external USB storage device?
The advantages to creating recovery discs from your computer are: they are less costly than ordering, can be created faster than the time it takes to have them shipped, and the discs you create usually recover software faster than other types of recovery discs for your computer. However, due to software licensing, only one set of recovery discs can be created.
If your computer can open Windows, use HP Recovery Media Creator software from the Windows Start menu to create one set of recovery discs. For more information on how to burn your own set of recovery discs, see
Creating Recovery Discs or Saving a Recovery Image to a USB Flash Drive
.
Ordering recovery discs from HP in the United States and Canada
If you cannot create a set of recovery discs, you might be able to order a set of replacement discs from HP. HP maintains an inventory of replacement recovery discs for several years after the product has been released. However, because of software licensing restrictions, HP is only able to provide recovery discs for a limited time.
CAUTION:The steps in this section apply only to United States and Canada.
If you need to order a recovery CD for other regions, please check
instructions to order recovery CDs in other countries
.
If you are in the United States or Canada, use the following steps to order recovery discs if they are available:
- Find the serial number for your computer and write the number down on a piece of paper. The serial number is located on a service tag label adhered the case of the computer. For some notebook models sold in 2010 or later, you will need to remove the battery or open an access hatch on the bottom of the notebook to see the service tag.Figure 1: An example of a service tag (the tag on your computer may look different)
- Write down any model numbers and product names listed on the service tag. Use these names to determine the exact model name (not series) of your computer.CAUTION:It is very important that you know the computer's exact model number/product name - not the series name that is often printed directly on the case. If you use the series name to order discs, the discs probably will not work on your computer. For example, there are several models of G62 notebook computers, but only one model G62-149WM. To learn more about how to find model numbers for HP products, see HP Guide to finding your product number .
- Open a web browser and go to the www.hp.com home page, and then click the SUPPORT & DRIVERS link at the top of the page to display the Support & Drivers page.
- From the Support & Drivers page, select Drivers & Software .
- Enter the product number or complete product name of your computer in the Enter a product name/number field, and then click Search .Figure 3: Enter a product name/number
- If you are presented with a list of several links to product support sites, click the link that matches your computer's model number.
- A Software & Driver Downloads page opens. Make sure that the model number listed at the top of the page on the product's support site matches the model number/product name of your computer. If the model number does not match, double-check the product name/number on the service tag, and search the HP Web site again.
- On the Software & Driver Downloads page for your computer, use the drop-down menu to select the original operating system that came with your computer, and then click Next .
- On the list of downloads, click Order Recovery Media , and then click the link to the Windows recovery kit to open an ordering page.NOTE: If you cannot find an "Order Recovery Media" section, select another operating system from the drop down list until you find a "Order Recovery Media" section or you determine that a Recovery Media section does not exist in any of the operating system selections. If you cannot find a Recovery Media section for your computer model, HP does not have recovery discs available.
- On the order summary page, enter the required Serial number , and then click Next .
- Select a shipping method from the options provided, and then click Next .
- Complete the shipping address form, and then click Next .
- If the billing address is the same as the shipping address, select Use my shipping address , and then click Next .If the billing address is different from the shipping address, select Use a different address , and then click Next . Complete the billing address form, and then click Next .
- Enter your payment information, and then click Submit .
- Confirm your order information.NOTE:The ordering pages use a secure connection to protect your privacy.
If you cannot order a recovery disc set from HP, try another section.
Finding recovery discs from other Web sites
If HP no longer provides recovery discs for your model of computer and a recovery disc cannot be created, you might find a solution outside of HP.
NOTE:Try all of the other options in this support document before attempting to order recovery discs from outside HP.
Popular online auction sites and computer part suppliers might have an original recovery disc part in stock. However, be careful and understand the risks when purchasing recovery discs from any source outside of HP. Beware of sites that offer recovery solutions when they are not affiliated with HP.
Even though HP might not have a recovery disc set available for purchase, search the HP part ordering Web site to find the recovery kit part number that matches your computer. Once you find the part number of the recovery disc, use the number in your searches to get better results.
Contacting Support
If you cannot order a recovery disc set from HP or you cannot create a usable set from your computer,
contact HP Customer Care
. HP Customer Care may be able to send out new discs or replace defective versions depending on your situation and availability.
