HP Pavilion dm1-4211nr Entertainment Notebook PC - Manual (Page 62)

11 Backup and Recovery
Recovery after a system failure is as good as your most recent backup. As you add new software and
data files, you should continue to back up your system on a regular basis to maintain a reasonably
current backup.
Performing a system recovery
Recovery allows you to repair or restore the computer to its original factory state. You can create an
HP factory image restore DVD, using an external DVD±RW optical drive. You can also create an HP
factory restore image on a USB storage device.
CAUTION: Using Recovery completely erases hard drive contents and reformats the hard drive. All
files you have created and any software installed on the computer are permanently removed. The
recovery tool reinstalls the original operating system and HP programs and drivers that were installed
at the factory. Software, drivers, and updates not installed by HP must be manually reinstalled.
Personal files must be restored from a backup.
NOTE: HP recommends that you create the HP factory image restore in the event of a system
failure.
Creating the restore DVDs
The restore creation software creates a set of system restore discs using blank, writable DVDs (DVD-
R or DVD+R). HP recommends using blank DVD+R discs from a manufacturer you trust, because
these recovery DVDs are so important. You need approximately 3 blank DVD+R discs. The program
states how many discs are needed at the beginning of the process.
To create restore DVDs:
1. Select Computer > More Applications.
2. In the left pane, click Tools, and then click Create Restore DVD in the right pane.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to create an image file to burn a recovery disc.
Creating a restore image on a USB device
NOTE: Be sure AC power is connected to the computer you begin.
Verify the exact amount of free space on your storage device before you begin the creation process.
For most models, you will need at least 8 GB of free space on the storage device. However,
depending on the drivers and software installed on your computer, you may need slightly more than 8
GB of space. HP recommends that you use a 16 GB device for best results.
52 Chapter 11 Backup and Recovery