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Performing an HP System Recovery (Windows XP)

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This document explains how to reset the computer software to its original state. This document is divided into sections based on the different ways of performing a full system recovery. Use the section that best fits your needs. Please read ALL of the statements before attempting a recovery!
CAUTION:Performing a Destructive Recovery will format the hard drive. This will delete all the information on the hard drive and reinstall Windows XP and the original software that came with the computer.Performing a System Recovery replaces system files and original software with the files that originally came with the computer. This process might move or remove certain files, like those stored in My Documents. Before performing a System Recovery backup important files and the files stored in the My Documents folder.In either case, be prepared to reinstall software that was not originally included with the computer. You will also need to reconfigure an Internet Connection and obtain all critical Windows Updates, Virus definition updates, and anti-spyware updates.
CAUTION:If the computer has a Personal Media Drive attached, remove the drive before performing the recovery or all information stored on the Personal Media drive may be lost.
CAUTION: If extra hard drives have been added to the computer, disconnect the IDE and power cable from the back of the extra drive before performing a system recovery or all information stored on the drive may be lost.
NOTE:HP computers that ship with Microsoft Windows XP do not come with recovery CDs. Instead, they use a hidden space (partition) on the hard drive to store the recovery information. The use of a separate partition provides a convenient process that eliminates the use of recovery discs that may be lost or scratched. A system recovery from the hard drive may not be possible in some circumstances. Your computer may contain Recovery Disc Creation software. Recovery discs for Windows XP are available from HP for a minimal cost. See Obtaining Recovery Discs for ordering information.

View a video on performing a system recovery in Windows XP

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Use the following steps to recover the computer from the Windows XP desktop:
  1. Backup files from the My Documents folder and from other folders you may have created.
  2. Disconnect all connected devices (such as the Personal Media Drive, USB drives, printer, and fax), remove media from drives, and remove any recently added internal hardware. Do not disconnect the monitor, keyboard, mouse, and power cord.
  3. From the Windows XP desktop, click Start , All Programs , and then one of the following options:
    NOTE:The following options are for HP computers. Compaq computers will have similar options (for example, Compaq Tools).
    • HP Tools , and then HP PC System Recovery .
    • Hewlett-Packard , hp pavilion pc tools , and hp pc system recovery .
    • PC Help & Tools , and then HP PC System Recovery .
    A recovery Welcome screen appears.
  4. Click Yes or OK to continue the recovery process.
    The computer restarts to the recovery program. If another welcome screen is displayed, click OK to continue.
  5. Select one of the following procedures, depending on which recovery type you want to perform:
    • To perform a system recovery, click Next , and then click Yes
    • To perform a destructive recovery, click Advanced , (select Destructive Recovery ) and then click Next .
      CAUTION: A destructive recovery will format the hard drive. This will delete all the information on the hard drive and reinstall Windows XP and the original software that came with the computer.
  6. Read and respond to each window and screen that appears.
  7. After the System Recovery is complete, the computer restarts and continues into Windows setup. Complete the setup screens and wait until the PC finishes the setup.
    NOTE:It may take a long time to complete Windows setup. This time varies and may take over several hours. Recovery times are most affected by using recovery discs that were ordered from HP and/or the amount of files that were stored in the user account folders (for example, My Documents and the Desktop).
  8. Before using your computer, update and protect your computer. For more information, refer to Things To Do After Performing a System Recovery in Windows XP .
  9. Re-install applications that you added after purchasing the computer, and any files that you have backed up.
Use the following steps to perform a recovery from the hard drive :
  1. Backup files from the My Documents folder and from other folders you may have created.
  2. Disconnect all connected devices (such as the Personal Media Drive, USB drives, printer, and fax), remove media from drives, and remove any recently added internal hardware. Do not disconnect the monitor, keyboard, mouse, and power cord.
  3. Turn on the computer.
  4. Just after the first screen appears (the logo screen), press the F10 key repeatedly until a recovery menu appears.
  5. Select one of the following procedures, depending on which recovery type you want to perform:
    • To perform a standard system recovery, click Next , and then click Yes .
    • To perform a destructive recovery, click Advanced , (select Destructive Recovery ) and then click Next .
      CAUTION: A destructive recovery will format the hard drive. This will delete all the information on the hard drive and reinstall Windows XP and the original software that came with the computer .
  6. Read and respond to each window and screen that appears.
  7. After the System Recovery is complete, the computer restarts and continues into Windows setup. Complete the setup screens and wait until the computer finishes the setup.
    NOTE:It may take a long time to complete Windows setup. This time varies and may take over several hours, depending on the amount of files that were stored in the user account folders (for example, My Documents and the Desktop).
  8. Before using your computer, update and protect your computer. For more information, refer to Things To Do After Performing a System Recovery in Windows XP .
  9. Reinstall applications that you added after purchasing the PC, and any files you need from backup.
Use the following steps to recover the computer from a set of recovery discs (either CDs or DVDs):
  1. Before recovering, back up files from the My Documents folder and from other folders you may have created.
  2. Disconnect all connected devices (such as the Personal Media Drive, USB drives, printer, and fax), remove media from drives, and remove any recently added internal hardware. Do not disconnect the monitor, keyboard, mouse, and power cord.
  3. Turn on the computer and press the Esc key when the first logo screen appears.
  4. Insert the first recovery disc into the top CD or DVD drive.
  5. Use the Up Arrow and Down Arrow keys to select the CD or DVD drive containing the recovery disc, and press the Enter key to start.
  6. If a screen displays Press R for recovery options , press the R key.
  7. A screen with a list of options should appear: R, F, and Q. These options can change depending on the state of the hard drive. For example, if the hard drive is new, only R lists.
    Select one of the following methods depending on the type of recovery method you want to perform:
    • Press R to perform a standard system recovery.
    • Press F to perform a destructive recovery. This will format the hard drive. If the hard drive is new or has had the recovery partition damaged, this option will also create new partitions and format the drive.
    • Press Q to quit recovery.
  8. Read and respond to each window and screen that appears.
    NOTE:When changing discs, do not press the OK button. Instead, wait for the drive to read the disc and automatically continue the recovery.
    NOTE:If you are using a supplemental recovery disc (select models only), you must remove the supplemental disc before restarting the computer.
  9. After the System Recovery is complete, the computer restarts and continues into Windows setup. Complete the setup screens and wait until the computer finishes the setup.
    NOTE:It may take a long time to complete Windows setup. This time varies and may take over several hours. Recovery times are most affected by using recovery discs that were ordered from HP and/or the amount of files that were stored in the user account folders (Like My Documents and the Desktop).
  10. Before using your computer, update and protect your computer. For more information, refer to Things To Do After Performing a System Recovery in Windows XP .