Using Microsoft® Windows® XP System RestoreThe Microsoft® Windows® XP operating system provides System Restore to allow you to return your computer to an earlier operating state (without affectingdata 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 information on using System Restore.Creating a Restore Point1. Click the Start button and click Help and Support.2. Click System Restore.3. Follow the instructions on the screen.Restoring the Computer to an Earlier Operating State1. Click the Start button, point to All Programs® Accessories® System Tools, and then click System Restore.2. Ensure that Restore my computer to an earlier time is selected and click Next.3. Click a calendar date to which you want to restore your computer.The Select a Restore Point screen provides a calendar that allows you to see and select restore points. All calendar dates with available restore pointsappear in boldface type.4. Select a restore point and click Next.If a calendar date has only one restore point, then that restore point is automatically selected. If two or more restore points are available, click therestore point that you prefer.5. Click Next.The Restoration Complete screen appears after System Restore finishes collecting data and then the computer restarts.6. After the computer restarts, click OK.To change the restore point, you can either repeat the steps using a different restore point, or you can undo the restoration.Undoing the Last System Restore1. Click the Start button, point to All Programs® Accessories® System Tools, and then click System Restore.2. Click Undo my last restoration and click Next.3. Click Next.The System Restore screen appears and the computer restarts.4. After the computer restarts, click OK.Enabling System RestoreIf you reinstall Windows XP with less than 200 MB of free hard-disk space available, System Restore is automatically disabled. To see if System Restore isenabled:1. Click the Start button, point to Settings, and then, click Control Panel.2. Click Performance and Maintenance.3. Click System.4. Click the System Restore tab.5. Ensure that Turn off System Restore is unchecked.NOTICE: Make regular backups of your data files. System Restore does not monitor your data files or recover them.NOTE: The procedures in this document were written for the Windows default view, so they may not work if you set your Dell™ computer to theWindows Classic view.NOTICE: Before you restore the computer to an earlier operating state, save and close any open files and exit any open programs. Do not alter, open,or delete any files or programs until the system restoration is complete.NOTICE: Before you undo the last system restore, save and close all open files and exit any open programs. Do not alter, open, or delete any files orprograms until the system restoration is complete.