Recovery with Automatic Data Backup

This option moves the C: drive contents to the "C:\Backup" directory and installs a new copy of Windows Vista. This option preserves your existing data files; however, since files are just copied to a different folder for backup, all applications and settings need to be reinstalled. This option requires enough free hard drive space to reinstall Windows Vista from the recovery partition. This amount of free space varies between models (depending on drivers and number of applications installed from the recovery partition) but is typically around 10-20 GB.

Note: Although this option copies the existing data to a folder on the hard drive, it is still recommended to have your data files backed up to external media before proceeding.

Note: Due to the large number of virus and Spyware threats on the Internet, it is recommended that you disconnect all Internet connections before reinstalling Windows. After the Windows installation, antivirus and firewall software can be installed and then the Internet connection can be re-enabled to update the antivirus definitions and perform Windows Updates.

  1. Remove all CDs or DVDs from the optical drives.

  2. Turn off the computer using the normal Windows shut down process.

  3. After the computer is turned off, disconnect all USB devices except the keyboard and mouse. This includes USB devices such as a printer, scanner, removable storage, or camera.

  4. After the Gateway BIOS logo appears, repeatedly press the F8 key. The Advanced Boot Options menu opens.

  5. On the Advanced Boot Options screen, use the arrow keys to select Repair your Computer, and then press ENTER.
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  6. In the System Recovery Options dialog box, select the appropriate keyboard layout, and then click Next.
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  7. In the System Recovery Options dialog box, select the user account that has Administrator rights, and then click OK.
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    Note: The Administrator account is disabled by default.

  8. In the System Recovery Options window, select Recovery Manager.
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  9. In the Gateway Recovery Center window, click Next.
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  10. In the Gateway system recovery window, select Recovery with automatic data backup.
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  11. In the Recovery with automatic data backup window, select Yes, and then click Next.
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  12. All existing files and folders are copied to the C:\Backup folder on the hard drive and a new copy of Windows is installed.
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  13. In the Recovery is complete window, click Finish.
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  14. In the System Recovery Options window, select Restart.
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  15. The computer restarts.

  16. Windows prepares to start for the first time. This may take a few minutes.
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  17. Drivers and applications are installed. This process takes several minutes. The more drivers and applications that need to be installed, the longer the process will take.
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    Note: The following Out of Box Experience (OOBE) screens may vary slightly between models.

  18. In the Set Up Windows screen, select the appropriate options and then click Next.
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  19. In the Please read the license terms screen, check I accept the license terms, and then click Next.
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  20. In the Choose a user name and picture screen, enter the appropriate information and then click Next.
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  21. In the Type a computer name and choose a desktop background screen, enter the appropriate information and then click Next.
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  22. In the Help protect Windows automatically screen, select Use recommended settings.
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  23. In the Review your time and date settings screen, enter appropriate information and then click Next.
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  24. In the Thank You screen, click Start.
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  25. Windows checks the computer's performance. Depending on hardware, this process could take from 3 to 15 minutes to complete.
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  26. Windows prepares the desktop.
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  27. Installation is complete. Any application that shipped on a separate CD can now be installed. It is recommended to update the antivirus definitions and perform Windows Updates.