Troubleshooting 111Restoring Your Operating SystemYou can restore your operating system in the following ways:• Microsoft® Windows® XP System Restore returns your computer to an earlier operating state withoutaffecting data files. Use System Restore as the first solution for restoring your operating system andpreserving data files. For instructions, see "Using Microsoft Windows XP System Restore" on page 111.• Dell PC Restore by Symantec restores your hard drive to the operating state it was in when youpurchased the computer. Dell PC Restore permanently deletes all data on the hard drive and removesany applications installed after you received the computer. Use PC Restore only if System Restore didnot resolve your operating system problem. For instructions, see "Using Dell PC Restore by Symantec"on page 112.• If you received an Operating System CD with your computer, you can use it to restore your operatingsystem. However, using the Operating System CD also deletes all data on the hard drive. Use the CDonly if System Restore did not resolve your operating system problem. For instructions, see "Using theOperating System CD" on page 114.Using Microsoft Windows XP System RestoreThe Microsoft Windows XP operating system provides System Restore to allow you to return yourcomputer to an earlier operating state (without affecting data files) if changes to the hardware, software,or other system settings have left the computer in an undesirable operating state. See the Windows Helpand Support Center for additional information on using System Restore. To access help, see "WindowsHelp and Support Center" on page 13.NOTICE: Make regular backups of your data files. System Restore does not monitor your data files or recoverthem.NOTE: The procedures in this document were written for the Windows default view, so they may not apply if youset your Dell™ computer to the Windows Classic view.Creating a Restore Point1 Click the Start button and click Help and Support.2 Click the task for System Restore.3 Follow the instructions on the screen.Restoring the Computer to an Earlier Operating StateIf problems occur after you install a device driver, use Device Driver Rollback (see "Using Windows XPDevice Driver Rollback" on page 109) to resolve the problem. If that is unsuccessful, then use SystemRestore.NOTICE: Before you restore the computer to an earlier operating state, save and close any open files and exit anyopen programs. Do not alter, open, or delete any files or programs until the system restoration is complete.PD598a01.book Page 111 Monday, February 6, 2006 2:24 PM
