HP_RECOVERY Drive - do not know how to utilize it

[txbonfire]

I have never had a need to use the HP_RECOVERY drive and am currently having PC problems where I may have to use it.  But, I think that my HP_RECOVERY drive may not be current.  Please see below:

1. Problem Description:

    - When I open the HP_RECOVERY (D:) drive the date modified is 4/26/2005. 

    - Does this mean that this drive has not been updated since then?   

    - Do updates need to be scheduled such that the C: drive is backed up to this 😧 drive? 

    - HP_PAVILION (C:) = 142 GB (free space = 97.4 GB) and HP_RECOVERY (D:) = 6.95 GB (free space = 880 MB).

    - Control Panel / Perf & Maint / System / System Restore shows that the "Turn off System REstore on all drives" is NOT checked

2. Desktop Model = HP Pavilion, a1050y, PU131AV

3. OS = Microsoft Windows XP, Media Center Edition, Version 2002, Service Pack 3

I apologize in advance for my very basic question.  But basically, is there anything I need to do to ensure that my HP_RECOVERY drive is "up to date" in case I need to perform a system recovery?  Thank you for any links or info you can provide. 

[CherylG · Accepted solution]

Recovery partition is not updated.It is the original files to reinstall back to factory specs, as in out-of-box new.Any files you have should be backed up to external USB hdd or burned to cd/dvd_not to the 😧

HP System Recovery in Windows XP:

http://support.hp.com/us-en/document/bph07145

Creating Recovery Disc Set in XP:

http://support.hp.com/us-en/document/bph08097

[txbonfire]

Thank you Cheyl for the info!

[txbonfire]

One subsequent question: Should I create the Recovery CD even though I have the HP_RECOVERY partition?  If so, why?  Thanks in advance for the info!

I did make a backup of my C drive to an external hard drive, so I should be good there.  I used the "Back Up Now" option under Tools when selecting Properties of the C drive.

[lmann]

Yes!  You should make the recovery disk(s) because if your hard drive totally fails then you won't be able to access the recovery drive.  That happened to me once and then I had to wait for hp to send me the recovery disks.  That machine was still under warranty so I didn't have to pay for the disks, but it took a few days before they got to me through the mail.

[txbonfire]

lmann, thank you so much for the reply.  i will take your advice and create those recovery disks.