RECOVERY WITH HP DISKS

This guide explains how to reset the HP Pavilion's software to its factory state. All work stored on the hard drive could be lost, so make sure to back up any important data. Please read through this tutorial and choose the best option for you.

Data could be lost on hard drives added after the purchase of this system, so unplug the IDE cable to that drive before beginning any of these processes.

Some HPs that ship with Microsoft Windows XP do not come with recovery CDs. They use a hidden space (partition) on the hard drive to store the recovery information. Some like this feature, some do not. However, you can purchase disks for a minimal cost. Go to the HP web site to order.

CAUTION: If Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 1 (SP1) has been or will be installed, download and install the SP1 software patch before proceeding to prevent boot up issues.

Recovering the system from the Windows XP desktop

1.  Disconnect all peripherals and internal non preinstalled devices from the PC, except the monitor, keyboard, and mouse.

2.  From the Windows XP desktop, click Start, All Programs, and then HP Tools.

3.  Select HP PC System Recovery. The Recovery screen will appear with the question Do you really want to start HP PC System Recovery?

4.  Click Yes, to continue the recovery process.

5.  When the Recovery screen appears, click Next, and then click Yes to perform a normal, non-destructive recovery.

6.  To perform a destructive recovery, click Advanced, and then click Yes.

Recovering the system without using Windows

1.  Disconnect all peripherals and internal non preinstalled devices from the PC, except the monitor, keyboard, and mouse.

2.  Turn on the computer.

3.  When the initial blue HP screen appears, press the F10 key repeatedly until a recovery menu appears. The progress indicator that first appears does not indicate that a recovery is taking place. The progress indicator represents the time before the recovery process is started.

4.  When the Recovery screen appears, click Next, and then click Yes to perform a normal, non-destructive recovery.

5.  To perform a destructive recovery, click Advanced, and then click Yes.

6.  After the System Recovery is complete, and the computer starts successfully, update the computer software as follows:

Recovering the system using the recovery discs for Windows XP

1.  Do not insert any discs into the HP Pavilion before starting. Disconnect all peripherals and internal non preinstalled devices from the PC, except the monitor, keyboard, and mouse.

2. Turn the computer on and press the F1 key when the first logo screen appears.

3. Press the Right Arrow key until Boot is highlighted.

4. Press the Down Arrow key until Boot Device Priority is highlighted.

Remember where CD-ROM is listed.

5.  Press the Enter key, then press the Down Arrow and highlight the listed CD-ROM drive.

6.  Press the Plus (+) key until the CD-ROM is at the top of the list.

7.  Insert the first recovery disc into the CD-ROM drive.

8.  Press the ENTER to save settings and exit.

A recovery screen appears.

9.  Read and respond to each recovery screen that appears.

When changing discs, do not press the OK button. Instead, wait for the drive to read the disc and it will automatically continue the recovery.

10. After the recovery is complete, restore the CD-ROM boot-device priority back to its original setting, as follows:

a.  Turn the computer on and press the F1 key when the first logo screen appears.

b.  Use the Arrow keys to select Boot Device Priority under the Boot menu.

c.  Press the Enter key, and then press the Down Arrow to highlight CD-ROM drive.

d.  Press the Minus (-) key until the CD-ROM is listed in its original location.

e.  Press the ENTER to save settings and exit.

f.   Restart the computer.

11.  After the System Recovery is complete, and the computer starts successfully, update the computer software as follows:

a.  Update the system virus definitions.

b.  Get the latest critical system updates using Microsoft's Windows Update.

c.  Update the HP software on the system.

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