This PC has one partitioned harddrive, which contains the Win 8.1 and data files on the C: partition and a "Recovery Image" on the D: partition. That is the way it came from HP. I have no idea exactly what is contained in the "Recovery Image," I presume it just reflects the system as it left the factory, i.e., no data, no programs except those that came bundled.
(I use the File History and Windows System Image features of Win 8.1 to backup to an external drive).
When the single drive in the PC goes south, as it inevitably will, what should be the strategy? What is possible with my configuration?
Obviously, the system image on the drive that has gone south is not useful for anything. So assuming I install a new drive, what else do I need to create/buy/configure to reestablish my capability? I don't think, for instance, I can instruct the bios to boot from the external drive, since I don't believe the Windows "system image" is bootable. Looking for suggestions.