How to Back Up the HP Recovery Partition

Be safe: Back up the HP Recovery Partition to CD or DVD

Whether they're due to viruses, overheating or corrupted software, computer malfunctions happen. Systems crash, data gets lost and programs stop working--but that doesn't mean your computer needs to be an expensive paperweight. Luckily, owners of HP desktops and notebooks have the HP Recovery Partition, an important tool with which to restore your computer to the manufacturer's settings. So if it's a software issue you're facing, there's a good chance there's a way to recover your computer's operating system, drivers and bundled software to the way they were when you originally purchased it.

The partition comes with all HP desktops and notebooks running Windows XP and Windows Vista that were shipped after spring of 2003. Under normal circumstances, in the event of a major problem, the partition will recover original software if you press F10 repeatedly during bootup. However, there are times when a virus or malfunction can corrupt the partition, eating away at essential files.

You can avoid this problem by backing up the HP Recovery Partition early on--ideally, as soon as you receive your computer. A backup of the HP Recovery Partition--also called a boot disc--can be made using the HP Recovery CD-DVD Creator on Windows XP, or Recovery Disc Creation on Vista, which gives you a set of boot disks to bring your computer back to its original condition--even if your HP Recovery Partition was damaged.

Before you back up your HP Recovery Partition to discs, note the following:

• The Creator program only permits one backup set to be created. So use quality discs that you trust, and be sure to store them in a safe place.
• The process will require up to 10 blank CD-Rs or two DVD+Rs; possibly more if you're using Vista. Note that the program will not work with DVD-Rs.
• The Creator program will only work with an uncorrupted recovery partition, meaning that no part of the partition can be previously modified or removed.

Things You'll Need

• HP desktop or notebook running factory-installed Windows XP/Vista
• Blank CD-Rs (12) or DVD+Rs (2)

Instructions

1. Close all unrelated software and applications and disconnect from the Internet. This helps avoid some potential problems.

2. If you are using Windows XP, click "Start" then "All Programs." In the folder marked "Hewlett-Packard", choose "HP PC Recovery CD Creator."

   If you are using Windows Vista, click "Start" and type "Recovery Disc Creation" in the search box. Run the program.

3. Watch for a welcome screen to pop up. Click "Continue."

4. In Windows XP, watch for a prompt to tell you how many discs you'll need. Press "Continue." In Vista, this window appears after Step 5.

5. Know that, during the next step, the program will begin creating the files necessary for backup. This includes collecting the files and writing the content of the CD to your hard drive. Wait until it reaches 100 percent and click "Continue."

6. Insert the first CD/DVD into your burner and click to continue. (NOTE: The process of burning an individual disc varies according to your hardware, but under normal circumstances, it takes approximately 10 to 12 minutes for each CD-R and 45 minutes for each DVD+R.)

7. When the first disk in finished, the program will verify that its contents burned successfully. If it did, click "Continue," eject the disc and insert the next one. Don't forget to label your discs, because it'll be important to remember the order if you ever need to restore your computer.

8. Continue burning your CDs/DVDs until the entire set is finished. The program will verify that the process has been completed.

9. Label your discs and put them in a safe place.

Tips & Warnings

• Use high-quality CDs or DVDs of a major brand that you trust. You only get to make one set of backup discs--don't risk letting them deteriorate.

• Label all of your discs. If you ever need to restore your software, you'll have to boot them in the correct order.

• Make sure to store your discs in a safe place.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• HP's instructions for creating a backup disc, including troubleshooting information and support contacts