Enabling System Restore
If you reinstall Windows XP with less than 200 MB of free
1.Click Start→ Control Panel→ Performance and Maintenance→ System→ System Restore.
2.Ensure that Turn off System Restore is unchecked.
Using the Operating System CD
Before You Begin
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).
To reinstall Windows XP, you need the following items:
•Dell™ Operating System CD
•Dell Drivers and Utilities CD
NOTE: The Drivers and Utilities CD contains drivers that were installed during assembly of the computer. Use the Drivers and Utilities CD to load any required drivers. Depending on the region from where you ordered your computer, or whether you requested the CDs, the Drivers and Utilities CD and Operating System CD may not ship with your system.
Reinstalling Windows XP
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 optional 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.
1.Save and close any open files and exit any open programs.
2.Insert the Operating System CD. Click Exit if the Install Windows XP message appears and restart the computer.
3.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.
4.Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the installation.
