the recovery process helps you restore the operating system, as well as

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1. Old notebook (before 2008) with old word is right:

Backup and Recovery - Windows Vista (c01584010)

Using a Windows Vista operating system DVD (purchased separately)
If you are unable to boot (start up) your computer, you must purchase a Windows Vista operating system DVD to reboot the computer and repair the operating system. Make sure that your most recent backup (stored on discs or on an external drive) is easily accessible. To order a Windows Vista operating system DVD, go to http://www.hp.com/support, select your country or region, and follow the on-screen instructions. You can also order the DVD by calling technical support. For contact information, refer to the Worldwide Telephone Numbers booklet included with the computer.

CAUTION: Using a Windows Vista operating system DVD completely erases hard drive contents and reformats the hard drive. All files you have created and any software installed on the computer are permanently removed. When reformatting is complete, the recovery process helps you restore the operating system, as well as drivers, software, and utilities.

2. New netbook, with new word is right:

MINI User Guide - Windows XP (c01657997)

Recovering the operating system and programs
In case of system failure or instability, use the Operating System and Driver Recovery discs included with your device to recover your operating system and programs installed at the factory.
CAUTION: The recovery process reformats and completely erases the hard drive. All files you have created and any software installed on the device are permanently removed. The recovery process reinstalls the original operating system, software, and drivers. Software, drivers, and updates not installed by HP must be manually reinstalled.

3. New notebook (after 2008) with old word is wrong:

HP EliteBook 8440p Notebook PC and HP EliteBook 8440w Mobile Workstation - Maintenance and Service Guide (c01999297)

Using a Windows 7 operating system DVD (purchased separately)
If you are unable to boot (start up) your computer and you cannot use the system repair discs you previously created (select models only), you must purchase a Windows 7 operating system DVD to reboot the computer and repair the operating system. Be sure that your most recent backup (stored on discs or on an external drive) is easily
accessible. To order a Windows 7 operating system DVD, go to http://www.hp.com/support, select your country or region, and follow the on-screen instructions. You can also order the DVD by calling technical support. For contact information, refer to the Worldwide Telephone Numbers booklet included with the computer.

ÄCAUTION: Using a Windows 7 operating system DVD completely erases hard drive contents and reformats the hard drive. All files you have created and any software installed on the computer are permanently removed. When reformatting is complete, the recovery process helps you restore the operating system, as well as drivers, software, and utilities.