Microsoft Windows Vista recovery disks restore a computer's operating system and software programs to default factory settings. Recovery disks can be created from your computer or you can order recovery disks directly from the company that made your computer. You can also request recovery disks directly from Microsoft, or ask the technician at the computer store where you bought your computer to create a copy of the recovery disks for you before you take your new computer home.
- In addition to reinstalling the computer's operating system, Microsoft Windows Vista recovery disks reinstall all software programs that came with the computer when you first purchased it new from the store. The recovery disks reinstall software drivers. Recovery disks can also erase viruses on your computer affecting drivers or software programs. Finally, recovery disks create a recovery image of your hard disk drive, which allows you to use the image to recover your computer's operating system and software programs in the future directly from your computer without using external disks.
- Computers using the Microsoft Windows Vista operating system have built-in prompts that walk through the steps to create recovery disks from your hard drive after you first begin to use the computer. You can create the recovery disks from your hard drive by following the prompts on your computer screen. You will need four to eight blank disks--depending on how much space is on the blank disks--to begin and complete the backup. Creating recovery disks from your hard drive will keep you from having to order new external disks from the company that made your computer.
- The system recovery process takes several minutes. To begin, you will need to insert the first disk into your computer drive slot. After the disk is in the drive slot, you will need to turn off your computer and disconnect all devices connected to your computer including the monitor, keyboard, mouse, printers, scanners, speakers, headphones and anything else. After you restart your computer, prompts will appear on the screen that will walk you through each of the necessary steps to restore the Microsoft Windows Vista operating system and original factory software programs.
- When the Microsoft Windows Vista operating system and original factory software programs have been restored and you restart your personal computer, the Microsoft Windows welcome screen will come up. You will have to follow the on-screen instructions to personalize your computer and configure your Internet connection. You will also need to reconnect computer devices and reinstall nonfactory software programs such as video games and tax-preparation software packages.
- In the event that you do not create recovery disks from your computer's hard drive before you encounter an operating system problem, you may need to contact the factory and order recovery disks. You may be required to pay for the disks as well for the cost of shipping and handling to have the recovery disks mailed to you.
- Files you created after you bought your computer will be completely erased during the system's recovery process. To avoid losing this data, backup all files you created after you purchased the computer before you begin the Microsoft Windows Vista system recovery process. If you are unable to reach the "Start" button to run the systems recovery disks, contact your computer technician. Some hard-drive problems need further repair before you can restore the operating system using the recovery disks.


