Reinstalling Software 149Using the Operating System DiscBefore 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 142. 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 Microsoft Windows SystemRestore" on page 144.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 disc• Dell Drivers and Utilities discNOTE: The Dell Drivers and Utilities disc contains drivers that were installed duringthe assembly of the computer. Use the Dell Drivers and Utilities disc to load anyrequired drivers. Depending on the region from which you ordered your computer,or whether you requested the disc, the Dell Drivers and Utilities disc and OperatingSystem disc may not ship with your computer.Reinstalling Windows XP or 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 disc provides options for reinstalling Windows XP.The options can overwrite files and possibly affect programs that are installed onyour hard drive. Therefore, do not reinstall Windows XP unless a Dell technicalsupport representative instructs you to do so.1 Save and close any open files and exit any open programs.2 Insert the Operating System disc.3 Click Exit if the Install Windows message appears.4 Restart the computer.When the DELL logo appears, press immediately.
