88 Troubleshooting Tools
3
Select the option that best describes the problem and follow the
troubleshooting steps.
NOTE: Windows Vista is a new operating system, so many older devices may
not have drivers or applications for Windows Vista. Check with your hardware
manufacturer for further information on their device.
NOTE: If you do not find the answer in the items categorized in Troubleshooting,
you can get Online Help - type in your question in the Search Help.
Restoring Your Operating System
You can restore your operating system in the following ways:
• 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.
• Dell PC Restore by Symantec (available in Windows XP) and Dell Factory
Image Restore (available in Windows Vista) restore your hard drive to the
operating state it was in when you purchased the computer. Both permanently
delete all data on the hard drive and remove any programs installed after you
received the computer. Use Dell PC Restore or Dell Factory Image Restore
only if System Restore did not resolve your operating system problem.
•
If you received
an
Operating System
CD with your computer, you can use it
to restore your operating system. Use the CD
only
if System Restore did
not resolve your operating system problem.

Using Microsoft Windows System Restore

The Windows operating systems provide a System Restore option which
allows 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. Any
changes that System Restore makes to your computer are completely
reversible. See the Windows Help and Support Center for information on
using System Restore. To access the Windows Help and Support Center, see
"Windows Help and Support Center" on page14.
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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