Troubleshooting 139Using the Operating System MediaBefore You BeginIf you are considering reinstalling the Windows operating system to correct aproblem with a newly installed driver, first try using Windows Device DriverRollback (see "Using Windows Device Driver Rollback" on page 132). IfDevice Driver Rollback does not resolve the problem, then use SystemRestore to return your operating system to the operating state it was in beforeyou installed the new device driver (see "Using Windows Vista SystemRestore" on page 136).NOTICE: Before performing the installation, back up all data files on your primaryhard drive. For conventional hard drive configurations, the primary hard drive is thefirst drive detected by the computer.To reinstall Windows, you need the following items:• Dell Operating System media• Dell Drivers and Utilities mediaNOTE: Your Drivers and Utilities media contains drivers that were installed duringassembly of the computer. Use your Drivers and Utilities media to load any requireddrivers, including the drivers required if your computer has a RAID controller.Reinstalling Windows VistaThe reinstallation process can take 1 to 2 hours to complete. After youreinstall the operating system, you must also reinstall the device drivers, virusprotection program, and other software.NOTICE: The Operating System media provides options for reinstalling Windows.The options can overwrite files and possibly affect programs that are installed onyour hard drive. Therefore, do not reinstall Windows unless a Dell technical supportrepresentative instructs you to do so.1 Save and close any open files and exit any open programs.2 Insert the Operating System media.3 Click Exit if the Install Windows message appears.
