Recovering Windows on HP laptop

With the evolution of Microsoft operative systems we have access to thousands of technical improvements, differently discussed and appreciated by users.
Unfortunately, there are still situations from which coming back is impossible, generated by high risk operations done without the required experience, from simple technical faults, to viruses, etc.
For instance, on a laptop with the new Windows Vista installed, you might stumble upon the following kind of error:

File:   \Boot\BCD
Status: 0xc000000f
Info:  "an error occurred while attempting to read the boot configuration data"

This kind of error usually means that the boot sector is damaged or missing and can occur after a failed attempt to install another operative system.

When you come to the decision that the only way is reinstalling Windows, resetting the laptop to its original condition, you might get more than a doubt.
Where can I find the installation CD? Why is it not included with my laptop, even though I paid to have a (already installed) copy of Windows?
HP, like all the other companies that produce laptops, does not supply a copy of the operative system, but it essentially provides 2 methods of reinstallation:

1. Using the Recovery CD/DVD previously created.

2. Recovering the system from original settings, through HP Recovery Manager.
   

Considering that 90% of Windows users do not provide for the creation a recovery DVD, you'll be well-disposed to choose a second way.
Contrarily, I suggest you take a look to the section Restore the PC to its original condition with the recovery discs of the official HP guide.
If you are ready for the recovery of original settings, instead, here's how to proceed.

Firstly you need to plug the power cable into your laptop, to avoid battery shut-downs during the reinstallation process.
Right after pressing the power button of your laptop, press the F11 key repeatedly, until you see the recovery screen appear.
From menu choose "Advanced Options", followed by "system recovery" and lastly "OK" to the final request.
The installation process will start and will take about 25 minutes with a 5400rpm hard disk. Don't stop the process or you'll end up with a corrupted operative system.

WARNING: The procedure will erase all data not present at the purchase of the laptop. After recovery, you'll need to reinstall all software like antivirus, browsers, programs for email and download, all of system updates (they might be a lot!!) and all the customized software and hardware.
When possible, we suggest making a backup of all data before starting.