Troubleshooting Tools 57Using the Operating System CDBefore You BeginIf you are considering reinstalling the Windows XP operating system to correct a problem with a newlyinstalled driver, first try using Windows XP Device Driver Rollback (see "Using Windows XP DeviceDriver Rollback" on page 52). If Device Driver Rollback does not resolve the problem, then use SystemRestore to return your operating system to the operating state it was in before you installed the newdevice driver (see "Using Microsoft Windows XP System Restore" on page 54).NOTICE: Before performing the installation, back up all data files on your primary hard drive. For conventionalhard drive configurations, the primary hard drive is the first drive detected by the computer.To reinstall Windows XP, you need the following items:• Dell™ Operating System CD• Dell ResourceCDNOTE: The ResourceCD contains drivers that were installed during assembly of the computer. Use theResourceCD to load any required drivers. Depending on the region from where you ordered your computer, orwhether you requested the CDs, the Drivers and Utilities CD and Operating System CD may not ship with your system.Reinstalling Windows XPThe reinstallation process can take 1 to 2 hours to complete. After you reinstall the operating system, youmust also reinstall the device drivers, virus protection program, and other software.NOTICE: The Operating System CD provides options for reinstalling Windows XP. The options can overwrite filesand possibly affect programs installed on your hard drive. Therefore, do not reinstall Windows XP unless a Delltechnical support representative instructs you to do so.1 Save and close any open files and exit any open programs.2 Insert the Operating System CD. Click Exit if the Install Windows XP message appears.3 Restart the computer.4 Press immediately after the DELL™ logo appears.If the operating system logo appears, wait until you see the Windows desktop, and then shut down thecomputer and try again.5 Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the installation.WD846bk2.book Page 57 Thursday, September 14, 2006 2:40 PM