104 Reinstalling Softwarew w w . d e l l . c o m | s u p p o r t . d e l l . c o m 1 Click the Windows Vista start button → Help and Support.2 Type hardware troubleshooter in the search field and press to start thesearch.3 In the search results for "hardware troubleshooter," select the option that best describes theproblem and follow the remaining troubleshooting steps.Restoring Your Operating SystemYou can restore your operating system in the following ways:• Microsoft® Windows® XP System Restore and Windows Vista™ System Restore return yourcomputer to an earlier operating state without affecting data files. Use System Restore as thefirst solution for restoring your operating system and preserving data files.• If you received Operating System media with your computer, you can use it to restore youroperating system. However, using the Operating System media also deletes all data on thehard drive. Use the media only if System Restore did not resolve your operating systemproblem.NOTE: The Operating System media may be optional and may not ship with your computer.Using Microsoft Windows System RestoreThe Microsoft Windows operating systems provide a System Restore option which allows you toreturn your computer to an earlier operating state (without affecting data files) if changes to thehardware, software, or other system settings have left the computer in an undesirable operatingstate. Any changes that System Restore makes to your computer are completely reversible.NOTICE: Make regular backups of your data files. System Restore does not monitor your data files orrecover them.NOTE: The procedures in this document were written for the Windows default view, so they may notapply if you set your Dell™ computer to the Windows Classic view.Starting System RestoreWindows XP:NOTICE: Before you restore the computer to an earlier operating state, save and close any open filesand exit any open programs. Do not alter, open, or delete any files or programs until the systemrestoration is complete.1 Click Start→ All Programs→ Accessories→ System Tools→ System Restore.2 Click either Restore my computer to an earlier time or Create a restore point.3 Click Next. Follow the remaining prompts.Windows Vista:1 Click the Windows Vista Start button → Help and Support.
