If you are considering reinstalling the Windows XP operating system to correct a problem with a newly installed driver, first try using Windows XP Device Driver Rollback (see Using Windows XP Device Driver Rollback). If Device Driver Rollback does not resolve the problem, then use System Restore to return your operating system to the operating state it was in before you installed the new device driver (see Using Microsoft® Windows® XP System Restore).
NOTICE: Before performing the installation, back up all data files on your primary hard drive. For conventional hard drive configurations, the primary hard drive is the first drive detected by the computer.
To reinstall Windows XP, you need the following items:
•Dell™ Operating System CD
•Dell Drivers and Utilities CD (Resource CD)
NOTE: The Drivers and Utilities CD (Resource CD) contains drivers that were installed during assembly of the computer. Use the Drivers and Utilities CD to load any required drivers.
Reinstalling Windows XP
To reinstall Windows XP, perform all the steps in the following sections in the order in which they are listed.
The reinstallation process can take 1 to 2 hours to complete. After you reinstall the operating system, you must also reinstall the device drivers, virus protection program, and other software.
NOTICE: The Operating System CD provides options for reinstalling Windows XP. The options can overwrite files and possibly affect programs installed on your hard drive. Therefore, do not reinstall Windows XP unless a Dell technical support representative instructs you to do so.
NOTICE: To prevent conflicts with Windows XP, disable any virus protection software installed on your computer before you reinstall Windows XP. See the documentation that came with the software for instructions.
Booting From the Operating System CD
1.Save and close any open files and exit any open programs.
2.Insert the Operating System CD. Click Exit if Install Windows XP message appears.
3.Restart the computer.
4.Press <F12> immediately after the DELL™ logo appears.
If the operating system logo appears, wait until you see the Windows desktop, and then shut down the computer and try again.
5.Press the arrow keys to select
6.When the Press any key to boot from CD message appears, press any key.
Windows XP Setup
1.When the Windows XP Setup screen appears, press <Enter> to select To set up Windows now.
2.Read the information on the Microsoft Windows Licensing Agreement screen, and press <F8> to accept the license agreement.
3.If your computer already has Windows XP installed and you want to recover your current Windows XP data, type r to select the repair option, and remove the CD.
4.If you want to install a new copy of Windows XP, press <Esc> to select that option.
5.Press <Enter> to select the highlighted partition (recommended), and follow the instructions on the screen.
The Windows XP Setup screen appears, and the operating system begins to copy files and install the devices. The computer automatically restarts multiple times.
NOTICE: Do not press any key when the following message appears: Press any key to boot from the CD.
NOTE: The time required to complete the setup depends on the size of the hard drive and the speed of your computer.
6.When the Regional and Language Options screen appears, select the settings for your location and click Next.
7.Enter your name and organization (optional) in the Personalize Your Software screen, and click Next.
8. At the Computer Name and Administrator Password window, enter a name for your computer (or accept the one provided) and a password, and click