Restoring Your Operating System
You can restore your operating system in the following ways:
•Windows Vista® has the Backup and Restore Center that can create backups of important files on your computer, or backup the entire computer. You may then restore your operating system or files if needed.
•Microsoft Windows Vista System Restore returns your computer to an earlier operating state without affecting data files. Use System Restore as the first solution for restoring your operating system and preserving data files. For instructions, see "Using Windows Vista System Restore" on page 48.
•If you received an Operating System media with your computer, you can use it to restore your operating system. However, using the Operating System media also deletes all data on the hard drive. Use the media only if System Restore did not resolve your operating system problem.
Using Windows Vista System Restore
The Windows Vista operating system provides System Restore to allow you to return your computer to an earlier operating state (without affecting data files) if changes to the hardware, software, or other system settings have left the computer in an undesirable operating state. See the Windows Help and Support Center for information on using System Restore.
To access the Windows Help and Support Center, click Start 
→Help and Support.
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 apply if you set your Dell computer to the Windows Classic view.
Creating a Restore Point
You can automatically and manually create a restore point from the Windows Vista Back Up and Restore Center. There are two ways to get to the Windows Vista Backup and Restore Center:
1Click Start 
→Welcome Center. In the Get started with Windows section, click Show all 14 items...→Back Up and Restore Center.
2Click Start 
→All Programs →Maintenance →Back Up and Restore Center. Under Tasks, click Create a restore point or change settings.
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