must be a option somewhere to access the files maybe its in the bios screen, i did use a HP system years ago but you could change settings on that using the windows system restore as it was tied in together.
you do need to be slightly carefull as it would be easy to wipe the thing back to original install lol
how adventurous you want to be depends on what you have saved on there.

no info with the comp about the recovery system?