How to Use Recovery Discs on eMachine

Recovery discs for eMachines have two purposes: to make repairs to the computer's operating system or, most frequently, to completely restore the eMachine to its original, factory default state. Performing a restore on an eMachine is a fairly simple process, especially because most of the process runs itself. But the user must pay attention as some parts of a restore require the user to perform certain actions.

Instructions

1. If you can access Windows, make a backup copy of any files that are important to you such as movies, music, photos and text documents. Using recovery CDs to run a restore will erase all data from your hard drive.

2. Restart the eMachine and, when the "e" logo appears, press the appropriate key to access the boot menu. On most eMachines, "F10" is the proper key, though some models require something different. "F9," "F12," "Esc" or "Del" are common alternates, and if this is the case the logo page will tell you which key to strike.

3. Insert the first recovery disc, then, in the boot menu, select "CD/DVD drive." The computer will begin to load the information from the recovery disc. When prompted, select to reformat the hard drive and reinstall Windows. Pay attention as the recovery runs so you know when to insert any follow-up discs.

4. When all the discs have run, enter the information that Windows requests (language, user name, computer name, license agreements, date and time) and let the computer set up your Windows desktop. When your Windows desktop is available, the recovery is complete.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are using the recovery discs to repair your system, follow the same process, but choose to repair your system instead of a reformat and reinstall. In this case, the backup is not necessary, though it is still highly recommended.

• Sometimes accessing the boot menu can be tricky. If you don't hit the appropriate "F" key at the right time you won't get to the boot menu. Don't get discouraged, just keep trying until you get it.