Windows 7: Trying to access the Recover system settings

Hi, I need help on a weird problem.

I tried to follow the System Image Recovery tutorial, but am stuck on trying to access the Recover system settings on your computer link. When I click on it nothing happens. Same thing when I use Help and Support and try to access Recovery from there. I have created a system image on an external HDD but it now seems pointless if I can't access it to recover from. I have also tried to boot to the Advanced Boot options, but pressing F8 key doesn't do a thing. I'm not sure if this is because I'm on a laptop.

Thanks to all in advance of any guidance you can give me. This is driving me nuts.

Update:

I used my Windows 7 upgrade installation DVD to boot up and got into the 'Repair your computer' function. I then selected 'Restore using a system image you created earlier' and the system automatically picked up on the latest system image I had stored on an HDD. I didn't select the 'Format and repartition disks' option.

The whole process took around 70 minutes, but it worked a treat. My system is now back to 16/07 before I had issues with SP1. And I am now able to access the Recover system settings on your computer link on Control Panel.