8–2
Maintenance and Service Guide
Backup and recovery
Note the following guidelines before creating recovery discs:
■
You will need high-quality DVD-R, double-layer DVD-R, DVD+R, double-layer DVD+R, BD-R (writable
Blu-ray), or CD-R discs. All these discs are purchased separately. DVDs and BDs have a much higher capacity
than CDs. If you use CDs, up to 20 discs may be required, whereas only a few DVDs or BDs are required.
✎
Read-write discs, such as CD-RW, DVD±RW, double-layer DVD±RW, and BD-RE (rewritable Blu-ray) discs,
are not compatible with the Recovery Manager software.
■
The computer must be connected to AC power during this process.
■
Only one set of recovery discs can be created per computer.
■
Number each disc before inserting it into the optical drive.
■
If necessary, you can exit the program before you have finished creating the recovery discs. The next time you
open Recovery Manager, you will be prompted to continue the disc creation process.
To create a set of recovery discs:
1. Select
Start > All Programs > Recovery Manager > Recovery Manager
.
Recovery Manager opens.
2. Click
Advanced Options
.
✎
If you are operating the computer on battery power, you will be prompted to connect to AC power before you can
go to the next step.
3. Click
Recovery disc creation
, and then click
Next
.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions.
Backing up your information
When to back up
■
On a regularly scheduled basis
✎
Set reminders to back up your information periodically.
■
Before the computer is repaired or restored
■
Before you add or modify hardware or software
Backup suggestions
■
Create a set of recovery discs using Recovery Manager.
■
Create system restore points using the Windows System Restore feature, and periodically copy them to disc.
■
Store personal files in the Documents folder and back up this folder periodically.
■
Back up templates stored in their associated programs.
■
Save customized settings in a window, toolbar, or menu bar by taking a screen shot of your settings. The screen
shot can be a time-saver if you have to reset your preferences.
