136 Reinstalling SoftwareRestoring 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.• Operating System installation media can be used to perform a reinstall ofyour operating system. However, using the Operating System installationmedia also deletes all data on the hard drive. Use the media 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). Using System Restore can be helpful if changes to thesystem hardware, software, or settings have left the computer in anundesirable operating state. For information on using System Restore, see theWindows Help and Support Center (click Start, then click Help andSupport).NOTICE: System Restore does not monitor your data files or recover them. Makeregular backups of your data files.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 process is complete.
