Reinstalling Software 137Restoring Your Operating SystemYou can restore your operating system in the following ways:• System Restore returns your computer to an earlier operating state withoutaffecting data files. Use System Restore as the first solution for restoringyour operating system and preserving data files.• Dell PC Restore by Symantec (available in Windows XP) and Dell FactoryImage Restore (available in Windows Vista) returns your hard drive to theoperating state it was in when you purchased the computer. Bothpermanently delete all data on the hard drive and remove any programsinstalled after you received the computer. Use Dell PC Restore or DellFactory Image Restore only if System Restore did not resolve youroperating system problem.• If you received an Operating System disc with your computer, you can useit to restore your operating system. However, using the Operating Systemdisc also deletes all data on the hard drive. Use the disc only if SystemRestore did not resolve your operating system problem.Using Microsoft Windows System RestoreThe Windows operating systems provide a System Restore option whichallows you to return your computer to an earlier operating state (withoutaffecting data files) if changes to the hardware, software, or other systemsettings have left the computer in an undesirable operating state. Anychanges that System Restore makes to your computer are completelyreversible.NOTICE: Make regular backups of your data files. System Restore does notmonitor your data files or recover them.NOTE: The procedures in this document were written for the Windows defaultview, so they may not apply if you set your Dell™ computer to the Windows Classicview.Starting System RestoreWindows XP:NOTICE: Before you restore the computer to an earlier operating state, save andclose any open files and exit any open programs. Do not alter, open, or delete anyfiles or programs until the system restoration is complete.
