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 page 106). 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" on page 108.
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 computer.
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 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.
NOTICE: To prevent conflicts with Windows XP, disable any virus protection software installed on your computer before you reinstall Windows XP. See the documentation that came with the software for instructions.
1Save and close any open files and exit any open programs.
2Insert the Operating System CD. Click Exit if the Install Windows XP message appears.
3Restart the computer.
4Press <F2> 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.
5Press the arrow keys to select
6 When the Press any key to boot from CD message appears, press any key.
7When the Windows XP Setup screen appears, press <Enter>.
8Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the reinstallation.
9When the operating system reinstallation completes, reinstall drivers and application programs as necessary. See "Reinstalling Drivers and Utilities" on page 106.
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