HP Compaq tc4400 Quick start guide

Software Update, Backup and
Recovery
Document Part Number: 405533-001
January 2006

Software Update, Backup and Recovery ii
Contents
1 Software updates
Receiving automatic HP Software Updates . . . . . . . . . . . 1–1
Downloading software updates from the HP Web site . . 1–2
Accessing computer information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–3
2 Backup
Safeguarding your data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2–1
Backing up your system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2–1
Backing up specific files or folders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2–2
Backing up your entire system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2–3
Backing up modifications made to your system . . . . 2–4
3 Recovery
Creating recovery discs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–2
Performing a recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–4
Performing a recovery from the recovery discs. . . . . 3–4
Performing a recovery from the hard drive . . . . . . . . 3–4

Software Update, Backup and Recovery 1–1
1
Software updates
Updates to software provided with the computer may be available
through the HP Software Update utility or on the HP Web site.
✎If the computer is connected to a corporate network, consult
with your network administrator before installing any software
updates, especially system BIOS updates.
Receiving automatic HP Software
Updates
HP Software Update is a utility included on the computer that
automatically checks for software updates from HP. By default,
the utility automatically runs every 30 days and provides a list of
software updates and support alerts for the computer.
To access HP Software Update:
1. Select Start > Help and Support > Update Software
and Drivers.
2. Follow the on-screen instructions to update your software
and drivers.

1–2 Software Update, Backup and Recovery
Software updates
Downloading software updates from
the HP Web site
Most software on the HP Web site is packaged in compressed
files called Softpaqs. Some BIOS updates may be packaged in
compressed files called ROMPaqs.
✎The BIOS initializes the operating system, determines how the
computer will interact with the hardware devices, and provides
for information transfer among hardware devices, including the
time and date. The computer system BIOS is stored on the
system ROM.
Some download packages contain a file named Readme.txt,
which contains information regarding installing and
troubleshooting the file. (Readme.txt files included with
ROMPaqs are provided in English only.)
You can also access software updates by obtaining the Support
Software CD (purchased separately). The disc includes device
drivers, BIOS updates, and utilities. To purchase the current
Support Software disc or a subscription that provides both the
current version and future versions of the disc, visit the HP Web
site at http://www.hp.com.

Software updates
Software Update, Backup and Recovery 1–3
Accessing computer information
Before you access the updates for your computer, collect the
following information:
■The product category is Notebook.
■The product family name, series number, and serial number
(S/N) are provided on the service tag.
To determine whether an available BIOS update contains a later
BIOS version than the one currently installed on the computer,
you need to know the version of the system BIOS currently
installed.
BIOS version information (also known as ROM date and System
BIOS) can be displayed by pressing fn+esc (if you are already in
Microsoft® Windows®) or by opening Computer Setup.
To use Computer Setup for displaying BIOS information:
1. Open Computer Setup by turning on or restarting the
computer, and then pressing f10 while the “F10 = ROM
Based Setup” message is displayed in the lower-left corner
of the screen.
2. Use the arrow keys to select File > System Information, and
then press enter.
ROM date information is displayed.
3. To exit Computer Setup, use the arrow keys to select File >
Ignore changes and exit. Then follow the instructions on the
screen.

1–4 Software Update, Backup and Recovery
Software updates
Downloading a BIOS update
ÄCAUTION: To prevent damage to the computer or an unsuccessful
installation, download and install a BIOS update only when the computer
is connected to reliable external power using the AC adapter. Do not
download or install a BIOS update while the computer is running on
battery power, docked in an optional docking device, or connected to an
optional power source. During the download and installation:
■Do not disconnect power from the computer by unplugging the
power cord from the AC outlet.
■Do not shut down the computer or initiate standby or hibernation.
■Do not insert, remove, connect, or disconnect any device, cable,
or cord.
To download a BIOS update:
1. Access the page on the HP Web site that provides software
for your computer:
❏Click a software update link in the Help and Support
Center.
– or –
❏Visit the HP Web site at http://www.hp.com/support.
2. Follow the instructions on the screen to identify your
computer and access the BIOS update you want to download.
3. At the download area:
a. Identify the BIOS update that is later than the BIOS
version currently installed on your computer.
b. Follow the instructions on the screen to download your
selection to the hard drive.
✎Make a note of the path to the location on your hard
drive where the BIOS update will be downloaded. You
will need to access this path when you are ready to
install the update.

Software updates
Software Update, Backup and Recovery 1–5
Installing a BIOS update
✎If the computer is connected to a corporate network, consult
with your network administrator before installing any software
updates, especially system BIOS updates.
BIOS installation procedures vary. Follow any instructions that
are displayed on the screen after the download is complete. If no
instructions are displayed:
1. Open Windows Explorer by selecting Start > All
Programs > Accessories > Windows Explorer.
2. In the left pane of the Windows Explorer window:
a. Click My Computer and then your hard drive
designation.
The hard drive designation is typically Local Disk (C:).
b. Using the hard drive path you recorded earlier, open the
folder on your hard drive that contains the update.
3. Double-click the file with an .exe extension (for example,
filename.exe).
The BIOS installation begins.
4. Complete the installation by following the instructions on the
screen.
✎After a message on the screen reports a successful installation,
you may delete the downloaded file from your hard drive.

1–6 Software Update, Backup and Recovery
Software updates
Downloading and installing other software
To download and install software other than a BIOS update:
1. Access the page on the HP Web site that provides software
for your computer:
❏Click a software update link in the Help and Support
Center.
– or –
❏Visit the HP Web site at http://www.hp.com/support and click
Download drivers and software to download the
software for your computer model.
2. Follow the instructions on the screen to find the software you
want to update.
3. At the download area, select the software you want and
follow the download instructions on the Web page.
✎Make a note of the path to the location on your hard drive
where the software will be downloaded. You may need to
access this path when you are ready to install the software.
4. When the download is complete, open Windows Explorer by
selecting Start > All Programs > Accessories > Windows
Explorer.

Software updates
Software Update, Backup and Recovery 1–7
5. In the left pane of the Windows Explorer window:
a. Click My Computer and then your hard drive
designation.
The hard drive designation is typically Local Disk (C:).
b. Using the hard drive path you recorded earlier, open the
folder on your hard drive that contains the update.
6. Double-click the file with an .exe extension (for example,
filename.exe).
The installation begins.
7. Complete the installation by following the instructions on the
screen.
✎After a message on the screen reports a successful installation,
you may delete the download package from your hard drive.

Software Update, Backup and Recovery 2–1
2
Backup
The HP Backup and Recovery Manager provides several ways to
back up the system and to recover optimal system functionality.
For information about recovering system functionality, refer to
Chapter 3, “Recovery.”
✎HP installed drivers, utilities, and applications can be copied
to a CD or to a DVD using the HP Backup and Recovery
Manager.
Safeguarding your data
Software or devices added to the computer can cause your system
to become unstable. To safeguard your documents, store personal
files in the My Documents folder and periodically create a
backup copy of the folder.
Backing up your system
Using HP Backup and Recovery Manager, you can back up
■Specific files and folders.
■The entire system.
■Modifications since your last backup, using HP system
recovery points.

2–2 Software Update, Backup and Recovery
Backup
Backing up specific files or folders
You can back up specific files or folders to the hard drive, to an
optional external hard drive, or to discs.
To back up specific files or folders:
1. Select Start > All Programs > HP Backup and Recovery
Manager > HP Backup and Recovery Manager.
2. Click Next.
3. Click Back up to protect user system settings and
important data files, and then click Next.
4. Click Back up specific files and folders, and then
click Next.
The Backup Wizard opens.
5. Click Back up selected files from most common locations
(Recommended).
– or –
Click Advanced Backup (Experienced users) to access
advanced filtering techniques.
6. Click Next.
7. Follow the on-screen instructions to back up specific files
or folders.

Backup
Software Update, Backup and Recovery 2–3
Backing up your entire system
When you perform a complete system backup, you are saving the
full factory image, including the Windows operating system,
software applications, and all personal files and folders.
✎The entire image can be stored on another hard drive, on a
network drive, or on recovery discs that you create. For
information on creating recovery discs, refer to Chapter 3,
“Creating recovery discs.”
To back up your entire system:
1. Select Start > All Programs > HP Backup & Recovery
Manager > HP Backup and Recovery Manager.
2. Click Next.
3. Click Back up to protect user system settings and
important data files, and then click Next.
4. Click Make a complete backup of my system, and then
click Next.
The “Welcome to Full Image Manager” page opens.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions to back up your entire
system.
✎This process may take several minutes, depending on your
computer speed and the amount of data being stored.

2–4 Software Update, Backup and Recovery
Backup
Backing up modifications made to
your system
When you back up modifications made to your system, you are
creating system recovery points. This allows you to save a
snapshot of your hard drive at a specific point in time. You can
then recover back to that point if you want to reverse subsequent
changes made to your system.
✎By default, the first system recovery point, a snapshot of the
entire image, is automatically created the first time you
perform a backup. Subsequent recovery points make a copy of
changes made after that time.
HP recommends that you create recovery points
■Before you add or extensively modify software or hardware.
■Periodically, whenever the system is performing optimally.
✎Recovering to an earlier recovery point does not affect data
files or e-mails created since that last recovery point.
After you create a recovery point, you are prompted to schedule
subsequent recovery points. You can schedule recovery points for
a specific time or event in your system.

Backup
Software Update, Backup and Recovery 2–5
To create and schedule a system recovery point:
1. Select Start > All Programs > HP Backup & Recovery
Manager > HP Backup and Recovery Manager.
2. Click Next.
3. Click Back up to protect user system settings and
important data files, and then click Next.
4. Click Back up the modifications made on your system
since your last recovery point or your first complete
backup, and then click Next.
The Recovery Point Manager opens.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions to create or manage
recovery points.

Software Update, Backup and Recovery 3–1
3
Recovery
HP Backup and Recovery Manager analyzes your hard drive,
creates a dedicated hard drive recovery partition on the hard
drive, and stores a copy of the full factory image on that partition.
You can choose to keep the copy on that recovery partition, or
you can choose to store it on external recovery discs or on another
drive.
✎Before using HP Backup and Recovery Manager, try repairing
the system by running Microsoft Windows System Restore.
For more information, select Start > Help and Support, and
then search for “System Restore.”
The HP Backup and Recovery Manager allows you to
■Create recovery discs (highly recommended). The
recovery discs are used to start your computer and to recover
the full factory image (operating system and software) in case
of system failure or instability. For more information, refer to
“Creating recovery discs.”
■Perform a recovery. HP Backup and Recovery Manager
allows you to perform a full system recovery or to recover
important files. This software works from a recovery partition
on the hard drive or from recovery discs that you create. For
more information, refer to “Performing a recovery.”

3–2 Software Update, Backup and Recovery
Recovery
Creating recovery discs
HP recommends that you create recovery discs of your full
factory image after you set up the computer for the first time.
✎After you create the recovery discs, you can increase the
amount of space on the hard drive by deleting the recovery
partition. However, doing this is not recommended.
HP Recovery CD/DVD Creator allows you to create a set of
recovery discs for the computer. The recovery discs are used
to boot up your computer and recover the operating system and
software applications to factory settings in case of system failure
or instability.
Note the following considerations before creating recovery discs:
■You will need high quality CD-R, DVD-R, or DVD+R media,
purchased separately.
■Only one set of recovery discs can be created per computer.
■Number each disc before inserting it into the optical drive of
the computer.
■If necessary, you can exit the program before you have
finished creating the recovery discs. The next time you open
HP Recovery CD/DVD Creator, you will be prompted to
continue the disc creation process where you left off.

Recovery
Software Update, Backup and Recovery 3–3
To create a set of recovery discs:
1. Select Start > All Programs > HP Backup & Recovery
Manager > HP Backup and Recovery Manager.
2. Click Next.
3. Click Create factory software recovery CDs or DVDs to
recover the system (highly recommended).
4. Click Next.
The Recovery CD/DVD Creator Wizard opens.
5. Click Next.
6. Follow the on-screen instructions to create the recovery discs.
✎The wizard will specify the number of discs needed before
disc creation begins.

3–4 Software Update, Backup and Recovery
Recovery
Performing a recovery
Performing a recovery from the
recovery discs
To perform a recovery from the recovery discs:
1. Back up all personal files. For more information, refer to
Chapter 2, “Backing up specific files or folders.”
2. Insert the first recovery disc into the optical drive and restart
the computer.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to perform a recovery from
the recovery discs.
Performing a recovery from the hard drive
There are 2 ways to perform a recovery from the hard drive:
■From within Microsoft Windows.
■From the recovery partition.

Recovery
Software Update, Backup and Recovery 3–5
Performing a recovery in Windows
To perform a recovery in Windows:
1. Back up all personal files before performing a recovery. For
more information, refer to Chapter 2, “Backing up specific
files or folders.”
2. If the computer is on, select Start > All Programs > HP
Backup & Recovery Manager > HP Backup and
Recovery Manager.
3. Click Next.
4. Click Recover important files or the entire system, and
then click Next.
5. Select a recovery option, and then click Next.
✎If you select to recover the system, the computer restarts and
recovery will begin.
6. Follow the on-screen instructions to perform a recovery in
Windows.

3–6 Software Update, Backup and Recovery
Recovery
Performing a recovery from the
recovery partition
To perform a recovery from the recovery partition:
1. Back up all personal files before performing a recovery. For
more information, refer to Chapter 2, “Backing up specific
files or folders.”
2. Turn on or restart the computer, and then press f11 before the
Windows operating system loads.
3. Select a recovery option, and then click Next.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to perform a recovery from
the recovery partition.