Compaq Recovery Disk – Guide for Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8

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Compaq Recovery Disk – Guide for Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8

Here we can see, “Compaq Recovery Disk – Guide for Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8”

A recovery disc can also be referred to as a restoration disc, repair disc, boot disc, or rescue disk.

Download the Compaq recovery CD

Easy Recovery Essentials is compatible with the following Windows versions and works with any Compaq (or HP) computer model:

  • Microsoft Windows 8
  • Microsoft Windows 7
  • Microsoft Windows Vista
  • Microsoft Windows XP
  • Microsoft Windows Server 2003, 2008 and 2012

Easy Recovery Essentials can be burned straight to a CD, DVD, or USB flash drive, and its Automated Repair function can discover and solve boot issues for you.

Make a Compaq recovery disc

After the spring of 2003, all computers came with a recovery partition that could be utilized to restore your computer.

If you don’t already have recovery CDs, you can make them with Compaq (or HP) software.

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Make a Windows XP recovery disc

You are highly advised to generate the DVDs if you have not already done so.

To make the discs for your computer, utilize the Recovery CD-DVD Creator software.

Only one set of recovery discs can be created using this software. You won’t be able to make a new disc if you’ve previously made the set.

You can use your original Windows XP installation disc or go to Download recovery disc for Compaq if you don’t have the Recovery CD-DVD Creator software installed or the recovery partition intact.

Before you begin, there are a few things to keep in mind concerning the software:

  • Recovery CD-DVD Creator will not allow you to generate a new set of discs if you have already created one.
  • You’ll need blank CDs or DVDs that can be written on. It’s best to utilize blank CD-Rs or DVD+Rs rather than DVD-Rs.
  • You may need up to ten CDs or two DVDs.
  • Your Compaq PC’s recovery partition must be intact for the recovery program to work.
  • Each CD could take up to 10 or 15 minutes to complete.

Follow these instructions to build the disc if you can boot into Windows XP:

  1. Startup Windows XP.
  2. Disconnect from the Internet and close any open programs.
  3. Go to Start > All Programs.
  4. Select Compaq > Compaq PC Tools (or PC Help & Tools) > Compaq Recovery CD-DVD Creator from the drop-down menu.
  5. If this is your first time using this software, click Continue on the Welcome screen.
  6. Recovery CD-DVD Creator now displays the types of media that can be used, as well as the number of CDs or DVDs that are required, and invites you to make a choice.
Your PC can write to DVDs or CDs

Select the type of media you want to use to create your PC recovery disc(s):

Number of DVD(DL)s required:     1
Number of DVDs required:         2
Number of CDs required:          15

7. Choose an option and then click OK.

8. Click OK after inserting the CD or DVD.

9. Wait for the procedure to complete. Don’t turn off your computer or unplug the power cord.

10. You’ll be asked to insert the next CD or DVD until the entire process is finished. To load it, insert the discs and click OK.

11. When the creation procedure is finished, click OK.

If you can’t get into Windows XP, you can use Command Prompt to start Compaq Recovery CD-DVD Creator and burn the CDs. However, your recovery partition must be intact for this software to work.

The steps are as follows:

  1. Before the Compaq logo shows, turn on the computer and press the F10 key.
  2. Select the Advanced Options.
  3. Hold down the Alt key, press D, let go of both keys. The Command Prompt should now be visible on your screen.
  4. Suppose your computer doesn’t have a built-in memory card reader, type d:. If that’s the case, type h: instead.
  5. Press Enter.
  6. Type cd windows.
  7. Press Enter.
  8. Type cd creator.
  9. Press Enter.
  10. Include the quotation marks and the space in the following command:
"CD Creator.exe"

11. Press Enter.

12. Click Start Creation or Next.

13. To make the CDs, simply follow the on-screen directions.

Make a Windows Vista recovery CD

For Compaq machines that came with Windows Vista, the Recovery Disc Creation software can generate a set of recovery discs.

The Recovery Disc Creation software for Windows Vista, like the Compaq Recovery CD-DVD Creator software for Windows XP, has a few limitations:

  • Each machine can only have one set of recovery discs. You can’t make the discs again if you’ve previously done so.
  • The recovery partition on your computer must be intact and undamaged for the software to work.
  • If your PC supports it, it’s best to utilize blank DVD+R discs.

To make a recovery CD for Windows Vista on a Compaq PC, follow these steps:

  1. Start the computer.
  2. Disconnect from the Internet and close any open program.
  3. Go to Start > All Programs.
  4. Then go to PC Help & Tools > Recovery Disc Creation.
  5. Choose Advanced Options on the Welcome to the Recovery Manager box to proceed.
  6. In the disc tray, place your first blank DVD. CDs can also be used.
  7. After you’ve added your data, click Next. Close AutoPlay if it appears.
  8. Continue with the process until it is finished, and then follow any remaining on-screen instructions to finalize it.

If you get this message when trying to make a set of discs, it signifies you’ve already made a set of discs and won’t be able to make more:

A set of recovery discs has been created for this PC.

Only one set is allowed per PC.

Make a Windows 7 recovery CD

On a Compaq computer, you can make a recovery disc for Windows 7 using the Recovery Disc Creation (alternative name: Recovery Media Creation) program that is already installed.

If you have the Recovery Disc Creation program installed, you can only utilize discs (DVDs) as recovery media. You can also use USB flash drives as recovery media if you have Recovery Media Creation installed: DVDs or USB flash drives.

Before you begin, keep the following in mind:

  • The recovery media can only be created once. The software will not generate a recovery media if you have already done so.
  • CDs are incompatible with the system. Only use DVD+R discs.
  • If you must use a USB flash drive, be sure it has a maximum capacity of 32GB and is not labeled as Windows 8 compatible.

Follow these instructions to use DVDs as Windows 7 recovery media:

  1. Switch on your PC.
  2. Disconnect from the Internet and close any open programs.
  3. Go to Start.
  4. Type recovery manager.
  5. This software is also available at All Programs.
  6. Open the Recovery Manager.
  7. If the UAC window appears, confirm that you wish to open this software by clicking Yes.
  8. To proceed, select Next if you have the Recovery Disc Creation software installed. Select Build recovery media using blank DVD(s) if you have the Recovery Media Creation software, and then click Next to create the recovery media on DVDs.
  9. Prepare the necessary number of CDs to complete the process. Check the “Number of Discs Required” section to see how many you’ll need.
  10. Click Next after inserting the first disc.
  11. To get started, click Next.
  12. If another disc is required, place it in the disc tray, close it, then click Next to load it and continue the operation.
  13. Remove the last CD from the disc tray and click Finish after all of the discs have been successfully generated.

Follow these procedures to use a USB flash drive as a Windows 7 recovery media:

  1. Turn the system on.
  2. Go to Start and type recovery manager.
  3. Launch the Recovery Manager application.
  4. If the User Account Control window appears, click Yes to confirm that you want to run Recovery Manager.
  5. You can only use USB flash drives if you have the Recovery Media Creation software. If so, click Next after selecting Create recovery media using a USB flash drive. If the software’s name is Recovery Disc Creation, you’ll be able to make the discs solely with DVDs.
  6. Connect the USB flash drive to the computer.
  7. Choose the USB flash drive’s destination drive.
  8. There will be a message asking you to confirm your identity. By clicking OK, you confirm that you want to proceed with the process.
  9. Click Finish when the message “Recovery Manager successfully created the recovery media” displays.

Restore a Compaq computer

Restore Windows XP

The Compaq PC System Recovery program, the recovery partition on your computer, or a set of recovery discs can all be used to restore the Windows XP operating system on a Compaq computer.

If you’re able to boot into Windows XP

If you can boot into Windows XP, you can begin the restoration process by following these steps:

  1. Before you continue, make a backup of your files.
  2. Activate your PC.
  3. Remove all of your computer’s external devices.
  4. Go to Start > All Programs > Compaq Tools (or Compaq Help & Tools) > Compaq PC System Recovery.
  5. To begin the restoration procedure, click OK.
  6. You can choose between two types of recovery: System Recovery and Destructive Recovery.

A Destructive Recovery wipes your machine clean and reinstalls Windows XP.

7. To finish the process, follow any remaining on-screen prompts.

If you’re having trouble booting into Windows XP

You can execute a recovery from your recovery partition without booting into Windows XP if your recovery partition is intact:

  1. Switch on your PC.
  2. Keep pressing the F10 key until you see the message “Starting PC Recovery.”
  3. Choose the type of recuperation you want to do:Standard System Recovery or Destructive Recovery.
  4. To finish the process, follow any remaining wizard prompts.

If you have a set of recovery discs, you can restore your computer by following these steps:

  1. Switch on your PC.
  2. When the Compaq logo appears, press the Esc key.
  3. In the disc tray, place Disc 1.
  4. Pick the CD, or DVD media drive from the “Please select boot device” menu so that your system boots from the disc.
  5. If prompted, select “Recovery Options” by pressing R.
  6. Choose the type of restore you want to do based on your computer:
    • R for a standard system recovery
    • F for a destructive recovery
    • Q to quit the process
  7. Follow the next set of instructions to complete the process

Restore Windows Vista

On a Compaq computer, there are three ways to restore the Windows Vista operating system:

  • From within Windows Vista, run the Recovery Manager program.
  • By pressing the F11 key at startup, the Recovery Manager software will be launched.
  • When booting the machine, make sure you have the recovery discs handy.

If you’re able to boot into Windows Vista

Follow these procedures to recover your PC from within Windows Vista:

  1. Go to Start after you’ve started your computer.
  2. You can either type recovery in the search field and select Recovery Manager from the search results list or go to All Programs > Recovery Manager > Recovery Manager
  3. Then select Advanced options, System recovery, and Next.
  4. If you don’t see an Advanced Options button, select System Recovery from the Next menu.
  5. Now is the time to restart your computer.
  6. Select System recovery and click Next after the restart.
  7. Select No if you’re asked to choose between “Microsoft System Restore” and “Next,” select No.
  8. Click Next after selecting Backup your files first (recommended).
  9. To finish the process, follow the next set of instructions.

If you are unable to start Windows Vista

If you can’t get Windows Vista to start, you can use Recovery Manager to get it started:

  1. Activate your PC.
  2. Before the Compaq logo displays on your screen, press the F11 key.
  3. Select Advanced Options > System Recovery and click Next when the Recovery Manager software appears.

If no Advanced Options button appears, click Next and pick System Recovery.

4. To continue, follow the on-screen instructions.

Instead, if you have a set of recovery discs, perform these steps:

  1. In the optical disc drive, place the first disc.
  2. Startup your PC.
  3. Press any key to boot from CD or DVD when prompted by the “Press any key to boot from CD or DVD” message.
  4. When Recovery Manager appears, select Advanced Options > System Recovery and click Next.
  5. To finish the process, keep following the directions.
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Restore Windows 7

On a Compaq PC running Windows 7, there are three sorts of recovery options:

  • System Recovery
  • Factory Reset
  • Minimized Image Recovery. This is available certain models of HP netbooks.

If you’re able to boot into Windows 7

If you can boot into Windows 7, you can do a restore by following these steps:

  1. Turn the computer off.
  2. All gadgets except your power cord, monitor, keyboard, and mouse should be disconnected.
  3. Switch on your PC.
  4. Go to Start > All Programs > Recovery Manager > Recovery Manager. Or you can type recovery in the search box to find the software.
  5. Click Yes to open the software program if UAC (User Account Control) appears.
  6. Select System Recovery from the I require immediate assistance area.
  7. To confirm that you want to restore your computer to its original settings, click Yes.
  8. Click Next.
  9. Now your computer will reboot.
  10. The recovery Manager will reopen after the restart.
  11. Select System Recovery.
  12. Select Recover without backing up your files and click Next if you’ve previously made a backup of your files.
  13. At the warning screen, select OK.
  14. Wait for the procedure to complete.
  15. When the process is finished, click Finish to restart it.

If you cannot boot into Windows 7

If you can’t get into Windows 7, try a restoration using the recovery partition on your Compaq computer:

  1. Disconnect all devices from the computer, including scanners, printers, and card readers.
  2. Switch on your PC.
  3. Before the Compaq logo shows, continually press the F11 key.
  4. Select System Recovery from the I need help right now area.
  5. If you have already created a backup of your files, select Recover without backing up your files and click Next.
  6. Click the OK button.
  7. Wait for the restoration to complete.
  8. When the process is finished, click Finish.
  9. Turn your computer off.
  10. The peripherals can now be reconnected to your computer.
  11. To reinstall Windows 7, follow the on-screen directions.

Follow these steps if you have a set of recovery DVDs for your Compaq:

  1. Turn on the computer, but remove all non-essential gadgets and cords before turning it on. Only the power cord, keyboard, monitor, and mouse should be kept.
  2. In the disc tray, place the first disc.
  3. Keep pressing the Esc key until you get a Startup Menu or Select Boot Device Menu on your screen.
  4. Select the CD/DVD option and press Enter when this screen appears.
  5. Choose Run program from the disc and click Next if prompted to run Recovery Manager from the hard drive or a set of discs.
  6. Click Factory Reset in the I need help right now area.
  7. To confirm your choice, click Yes and then Next.
  8. If you haven’t done so before, you can choose to back up your files. Otherwise, click Next to proceed to the next stage and select Recover without backing up your files.
  9. To confirm, click OK.
  10. When prompted, place the next DVD in the disc tray.
  11. Click Finish on the Complete Restoration screen.
  12. Your computer will restart or shut down after the operation is finished.
  13. Follow the on-screen directions to reinstall Windows 7.

Follow these steps if your Compaq has a USB flash drive as a recovery media:

  1. Scanners, printers, cameras, card readers, and other non-essential gadgets and wires should be removed from your computer.
  2. Place the USB flash drive in the slot.
  3. Switch on your PC.
  4. Keep pressing the Esc key.
  5. Wait for a screen that says Select Boot Device Menu or Startup Menu to appear.
  6. Hit Enter after selecting USB Storage Device. If the screen says “Startup Menu,” you might have to press F9 to get to the Boot Menu.
  7. If you’re asked whether you want to run the Recovery Manager program from your hard drive or a USB flash drive, select USB flash drive and click Next.
  8. Under the I need help right now section, click System Recovery.
  9. Click Yes.
  10. If you haven’t already, make a backup of your files. If you don’t want to back up your files, choose Recovery.
  11. Click Next.
  12. To confirm, click Next one more.
  13. You may be requested to remove the USB flash drive from the Complete Restoration screen. Take it out.
  14. Click Finish.
  15. Your computer will restart or shut down at this point.
  16. Restart your computer and complete the installation of Windows 7.

Application and Driver Recovery for Compaq

You can use the Compaq Application and Driver Recovery software to reinstall a piece of software or a driver that came with your machine.

Only use Compaq Application and Driver Recovery if:

  • The operating system was not upgraded.
  • The recovery partition on your machine was not removed.

Follow these steps to install software that came with your Compaq computer:

  1. Activate your PC.
  2. Go to Start > All Programs
  3. Locate and open the Compaq PC Tools folder. PC Help and Tools, PC Recovery Tools, or Compaq PC Help & Tools are all possible names.
  4. Select Compaq Application Recovery.
  5. Choose Application Installation from the menu.
  6. Click Next.
  7. Choose whatever applications you want to install.
  8. Click Install.
  9. Click OK when the installation is finished.
  10. Click the Quit button.
  11. Restart the computer if necessary.

Follow these steps to install drivers that came with your Compaq computer:

  1. Go to Start > All Programs after turning on your computer.
  2. Select Compaq Application Recovery from the Compaq PC Tools folder.
  3. Select Driver Installation.
  4. Choose which drivers you want to install.
  5. Click Install.
  6. To finish the process, follow the on-screen directions.

If you want to reinstall a particular driver that is already installed, you must first uninstall it:

  1. My Computer can be accessed by right-clicking it.
  2. Choose Properties.
  3. Select Device Manager from the Hardware tab.
  4. Right-click on the name of the driver you wish to uninstall.
  5. Select Uninstall.
  6. Click OK to finish the removal procedure and restart your computer.

Conclusion

I hope this information was helpful. If you have anything to add, please do so in the comments.

User Questions

1. How do I reinstall Windows 7 on my Compaq laptop?

Turn on the computer and hit the F11 key continuously for roughly a second until Recovery Manager appears. Next. A panel with advanced options appears. Click Next after selecting Recover your machine to its original factory condition.

2. What is the procedure for restoring my Compaq laptop to factory settings in Windows 8?

  • Start your computer and continually press the F11 key.
  • Click Troubleshoot on the Choose an option screen.
  • Reset your computer by clicking the Reset button.
  • Click Next on the Reset your PC screen.
  • Any screens that pop up should be read and responded to.
  • Wait for your machine to be reset by Windows.

3. What is the procedure for restarting my Compaq laptop?

  • Close any open programs and save any open work.
  • To access the Compaq Start menu, click “Start.”
  • Allow your Compaq to shut down by clicking “Shut down.”
  • When the flashing prompt appears in the upper right corner of the dark screen, turn on the Compaq and hit the “F8” key.
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