11
• If you are using optical discs, the drive ejects each disc as it completes
burning it. Remove the disc from the drive and mark it with a permanent
marker.
If multiple discs are required, insert a new disc when prompted, then click OK.
Continue until the process is complete.
• If you are using a USB drive, unplug the drive and label it clearly.
Important: Write a unique, descriptive label on each backup, such as
'Drivers and Applications Backup'. Make sure you keep the backup in
a safe place that you will remember.
Recovering your system
To recover your system:
1. Perform minor fixes.
If only one or two items of software or hardware have stopped working correctly,
the problem may be solved by reinstalling the software or the device drivers.
To reinstall software and drivers that were pre-installed at the factory, see
"Reinstalling drivers and applications" on page 11.
For instructions on reinstalling software and drivers that were not pre-installed,
see that product's documentation or support Web site.
2. Revert to a previous system condition.
If reinstalling software or drivers does not help, then the problem may be solved
by returning your system to a previous state when everything was working
correctly.
For instructions, see "Returning to an earlier system snapshot" on page 13.
3. Reset your operating system.
If nothing else has solved the problem and you want to reset your system, but
keep your user information, see "Returning your system to its factory
condition" on page 14.
4. Reset your system to its factory condition.
If nothing else has solved the problem and you want to reset your system to
factory condition, see "Returning your system to its factory condition" on
page 14.
Reinstalling drivers and applications
As a troubleshooting step, you may need to reinstall the applications and device
drivers that came pre-installed on your computer from the factory. You can reinstall
using either your hard drive or the backup you have created.
• Other applications - If you need to reinstall software that did not come pre-
installed on your computer, you need to follow that software's installation
instructions.
• New device drivers - If you need to reinstall device drivers that did not come pre-
installed on your computer, follow the instructions provided with the device.