104 Solving Problems
Restoring Your Operating System
You can restore your operating system in the following ways:
• Microsoft
®
Windows
®
XP 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 Microsoft
Windows XP System Restore"
on page 104.
• Dell PC Restore by Symantec restores your hard drive to the operating
state it was in when you purchased the computer. Dell PC Restore
permanently deletes all data on the hard drive and removes any
applications installed after you received the computer. Use PC Restore
only if System Restore did not resolve your operating system problem. For
instructions, see "Using Dell PC Restore by Symantec" on page 106.
• 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. For
instructions, see "Using the Operating System Media" on page 108.
Using Microsoft Windows XP System Restore
The Microsoft Windows XP 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 additional information on using
System Restore. To access help, see "Windows Help and Support Center" on
page 14.
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.
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