Dell 2300 Using System Restore

54 Advanced Troubleshooting

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Using 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, softwa re, or other system

settings have left the computer in an undesirable operating state. See

Windows Help for information on using System Restore. To access

Windows Help, see page32.

NOTICE: Make regular backups of your data files. System Restore does not

monitor your data files or recover them.

Creating a Restore Point

1Click the Start button.

2Click Help and Support.

3Click System Restore.

4Follow the instructions on the screen.

Restoring the Computer to an Earlier Operating State

If problems occur after installing a device driver, first try using Device

Driver Rollback (see page 57). If that is unsuccessful, then use System

Restore.

NOTICE: Before restoring the computer to an earlier operating state, save

and close all open files and close all open programs. Do not alter, open, or

delete any files or programs until the system restoration is complete.

1Click the Start button, point to All Programs→ Accessories→ System

Tool s, and then click System Restore.

2Ensure that Restore my computer to an earlier time is selected, and

then click Next.

3Click a calendar date to which you want to restore your computer.

The Select a Restore Point screen provides a calendar that allows you

to see and select restore points. All calendar dates with available

restore points appear in bold.

Contents

Main Dell Dimension 2300 Hints, Notices, and Cautions Abbreviations and Acronyms ____________________ Contents 1Setting Up and Using Your Computer 2Solving Problems 3Advanced Troubleshooting 4Adding Parts 5Appendix Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125 CAUTION: Safety Instructions General CAUTION: Safety Instructions Page When Working Inside Your Computer Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge Ergonomic Computing Habits Battery Disposal Finding Information for Your Computer Page Page Page Page Setting Up a Printer Printer Cable Connecting a Parallel Printer Connecting a USB Printer Transferring Information to a New Computer Setting Up a Home and Office Network Connecting to a Network Adapter Network Setup Wizard Connecting to the Internet Setting Up Your Internet Connection Copying CDs Using Easy CD Creator Basic Using Blank CD-R Discs or Blank CD-RW Discs Helpful Tips How to Copy a CD Turning Off the Computer Page Solving Problems 30 Solving Problems Finding Solutions Tell M e H ow Solving Problems 31 Finding Help Information Tell Me How Battery Problems Drive Problems Floppy drive problems CD drive problems Problems writing to a CD-RW drive DVD drive problems Hard drive problems E-Mail, Modem, and Internet Problems Page Error Messages General Problems x The computer stops responding A program stops responding A program crashes repeatedly A program is designed for an earlier Windows operating system Other software problems A solid blue screen appears Other technical problems General hardware problems Keyboard Problems Mouse Problems Network Problems Power Prob lems Page Printer Problems Scanner Problems Sound and Speaker Problems No sound from speakers No sound from headphones Video and Monitor Problems If the screen is blank If the screen is difficult to read Page Page Using System Restore Creating a Restore Point Restoring the Computer to an Earlier Operating State Undoing the Last System Restore Drivers What Is a Driver? Identifying Drivers Reinstalling drivers Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities Reinstalling Windows XP Before You Reinstall Page Page Page Adding Parts Front and Back View of the Computer Front View Page Back View Removing the Computer Cover Page Looking Inside Your Computer System Board Adding Cards Page Page Adding a Second CD or DVD Drive Page Page Page Page Page Adding Memory Page Replacing the Computer Cover Appendix Specifications Page Page Standard Settings The system setup program contains the standard settings for your computer. See the following figure for an example of the Main program screen. Viewing Settings System Setup Program Screens Clearing Forgotten Passwords Replacing the Battery Page Dell Technical Support Policy (U.S. Only) Definition of "Dell-Installed" Software and Peripherals Definition of "Third-Party" Software and Peripherals Contacting Dell Page Page Page Page Page Page Page Page Page Page Page Page Page Page Page Returning Items for Warranty Repair or Credit Regulatory Notices Page NOM Information (Mexico Only) Page Limited Warranties and Return Policy Limited Warranty for the U.S. What is covered by this limited warranty? What is not covered by this limited warranty? How long does this limited warranty last? What do I do if I need warranty service? What will Dell do? Appendix 115 NOTE: What if I purchased a service contract? How will you fix my product? What do I do if I am not satisfied? "Total Satisfaction" Return Policy (U.S. Only) Limited Warranty for Canada One-Year Limited Warranty (Canada Only) Two-Year Limited Warranty (Canada Only) Limited Warranty Coverage During Year One Limited Warranty Coverage During Year Two General Provisions Three-Year Limited Warranty (Canada Only) Limited Warranty Coverage During Year One Limited Warranty Coverage During Years Two and Three General Provisions One-Year End-User Manufacturer Guarantee (Latin America and the Caribbean Only) Guarantee Exclusions Making a Claim Limitation and Statutory Rights Page Page Index A B C D H I K M N T V W