HP Recovery Manager File Backup Not Working: 4 Solutions

HP Recovery Manager file backup not working? Learn why it fails and how to fix it easily with step-by-step solutions. Plus, there is an HP Recovery Manager for you to backup files error-free.

Jonna

By Jonna Updated on March 10, 2025

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Why is HP Recovery Manager File Backup Not Working?

HP Recovery Manager File Backup is a built-in tool on HP computers designed to help users back up important files before performing a system reset or recovery. This function allows users to create a backup of their personal data, such as documents, photos, videos, and other critical files, before restoring their system to factory settings.

HP Recovery Manager File Backup

However recently, many users run into HP Recovery Manager File Backup not working issues when trying to back up important files or recover their systems. Several factors can contribute to the malfunctioning of HP Recovery Manager's file backup feature:

  • External storage device issues: Problems with the USB drive or external hard drive, such as connectivity issues or insufficient storage space, can fail or freeze the backup process.
  • Corrupted system files: Damaged or missing system files may prevent HP Recovery Manager from operating correctly.
  • Hardware malfunctions: Faulty hardware components, particularly the hard drive, can lead to backup failures.
  • Software conflicts: Conflicting applications or security software might interfere with the backup process.
AOMEI Backupper

Free HP Recovery Manager alternative to backup files without errors.

How to Resolve HP Recovery Manager File Backup Not Working in 4 Ways

When you encounter Recovery Manager File Backup frozen or other HP Recovery Manager File Backup not working problems, there are several troubleshooting steps you can take.

Way 1. Reconnect Your USB

If you are backing up files to external hard drive, like USB, and are stuck with HP Recovery Manager not working, a simple yet effective step is to ensure that your external storage device is properly connected or try reconnecting it.

You could unplug the external USB drive from your computer, and make sure the USB port on your laptop or desktop is clean and free of debris. Then, plug the USB drive back and ensure it is detectable.

Way 2. Run SFC to Repair System Files

Corrupted system files can be another reason why HP Recovery Manager file backup is not working. System File Checker (SFC) is a built-in tool in Windows that can help repair damaged or missing system files.

Step 1. Type cmd in the Windows search bar, right-click Command Prompt, and choose Run as administrator.

Step 2. In the Command Prompt window, type the sfc /scannow command and press Enter.

sfc

Step 3. The scan can take several minutes to complete. It will automatically attempt to fix any issues it finds.

Step 4. Once the scan is finished, restart your computer and open HP Recovery Manager, and attempt the file backup again.

Way 3. Try a Hard Reset

Sometimes, software issues can be resolved by performing a hard reset of your computer. This method can help clear temporary glitches that might be preventing the HP Recovery Manager Windows 10 not working properly.

Step 1. Open Settings on Windows and go to Update & Security > Recovery.

Step 2. Click on Get started and follow the on-screen instructions to reset your device.

Get Started

Way 4. Run HP PC Hardware Diagnostics to Check Hard Drive

If none of the previous solutions work for file backup or HP Recovery Manager restore backup files, there could be an issue with your hard drive or other hardware components. HP provides a built-in diagnostic tool that can check the health of your hard drive and other vital hardware components.

Step 1. Reboot your computer, press ESC repeatedly when the HP splash screen appears, and then press F2 in boot.

Step 2. Choose Component Tests, then click Hard Drive > Quick Test > Run once.

Hard Drive Quick Test

Step 3. Or, you could choose System Tests to check file system errors.

Hardware Diagnostics

Backup and Restore Files with Free HP Recovery Manager Alternative

What if you've tried all of the above methods and HP Recovery Manager File Backup not working persists? In such a case, you could turn to an error-free HP Recovery Manager alternative - AOMEI Backupper Standard. This free and fully-featured backup solution is perfect for Windows PCs.

AOMEI Backupper
Free HP Backup Software
  • Various backups - Offer System Backup for OS backup and restore, Disk Backup and Partition Backup for backing up entire disks or specific partitions, and File Backup for personal files or folders.
  • Scheduled backups - Automate backups to run at specified times, like daily, weekly, monthly, USB plug in, and event triggers.
  • Diverse destinations - Create data backup to external hard drives, USB drives, local disks, NAS, network drives, cloud storage, and so on.
  • Other tools - Enable creating bootable USB drives or CDs for system recovery in case of boot failures.

To easily backup and restore your HP files, download and install AOMEI Backupper Standard on  your device, and proceed with the following guides:

Step 1. Click File Backup on the Backup tab.

File Backup

Step 2. Click Add File or Add Folder to choose the files or folders that you want to back up.

Add Folders Files

Step 3. Click the destination box to select a location to save the backup image.

Select Destination

Step 4. Click Schedule Backup to automate your file backup if needed. Finally, click on Start Backup.

Schedule Settings General

If you want to restore your backup files, go to the Restore section, and tap Select Task to choose the target file backup task (you can choose to restore all files or specific items). Then, specify a restore location, and click Start Restore.

Select Image

Tips:
The software uses incremental backup by default in automatic backups, but it also supports differential backup (supported in Pro version). You can change it in Backup Method under Backup Scheme.
Except for restoring files from file backup, you can restore files from other backup solutions system backups, disk backups, or partition backups using the Explore image feature. It could mount backup images as virtual drives in Windows Explorer and then you can copy file backups to another location. (supported in Pro version)

Conclusion

Dealing with HP Recovery Manager File Backup not working can be a piece of cake with the right method. Just try to reconnect your USB or run system checks, there’s a solution for every problem.

If all else fails, consider using a reliable alternative like AOMEI Backupper Standard for seamless data backup and restoration. This free, easy-to-use software will ensure that your important files are always protected. Besides, it is embedded with powerful clone functions for you to clone hard drive to HDD/SSD for data migration with one click.

Jonna
Jonna · Editor
Jonna joined AOMEI in 2021 and has become a professional in the areas of computer backup and restoration, disk cloning, file synchronization, etc. She maintains a keen eye for the latest technology trends, ensuring that the information provided is always in step with industry developments.