Reinstalling Microsoft Windows XP, Before You Begin | Dell PP04S

Reinstalling Microsoft® Windows® XP

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. 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 Windows XP Device Driver Rollback" on page 92 and "Using Microsoft® Windows® XP System Restore" on page 95.

NOTICE: Before performing the installation, back up all data files on your primary hard drive. For conventional hard drive configurations, the primary hard drive is the first drive detected by the computer.

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.

•Product Key (Product ID Number)

NOTE: The Product Key is the bar code number on the sticker that is located on the external side cover of your computer. You may be prompted for the Product Key when you use the Operating System CD under certain conditions.

Reinstalling Windows XP

To reinstall Windows XP, perform all the steps in the following sections in the order in which they are listed.

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.

Solving Problems

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Dell PP04S owner manual Reinstalling Microsoft Windows XP, Before You Begin, Reinstalling Windows XP

Contents

W . d e l l . c o m s u p p o r t . d e l l . c o m Abbreviations and Acronyms Contents Uninterruptible Power Supplies Modem and Internet Connection ProblemsMicrosoft Windows Power Meter Installing the Optional Extended Battery Removing and Installing Devices While the Computer Removing and Installing Devices When the ComputerRadios Including Wireless Networking Microsoft Windows Logo Key Functions Connecting to a Wireless Local Area Network Connecting to a Network Adapter If you cannot save a file to a floppy drive Resolving Other Technical ProblemsProgram stops responding Solid blue screen appears If You Drop or Damage Your Computer Viewing the System Setup Screens 123 Using the System Setup Program 122116 125 General Power Battery EMC Instructions Air Travel When Using Your Computer When Using Your Computer Ergonomic Computing Habits When Working Inside Your Computer Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge Battery Disposal What are you looking for? Find It Here Finding Information for Your ComputerI v e r s a n d U t i l i t i e s C D T u p D i a g r a m N d o w s H e l p a n d S u p p o r t C e n t e r L l S u p p o r t We b s i t e support.dell.comE r a t i n g S y s t e m C D Tour of Your Computer Tour of Your Computer Front View Light is flashing Device Status Lights Keyboard Status Lights Touch pad Touch pad button If you ordered the optional internal modem, connect Left Side View T W O R K C O N N E C T O R Tour of Your Computer BA Y C O N N E C T O R Right Side View Video connector Air vent Infrared sensor Connects USB devices, such as a mouse, keyboard, or printer Security cable slot Back View Release Bottom View Tour of Your Computer Setting Up Your Computer Setting Up Your Internet Connection Connecting to the InternetSetting Up Your Computer If you have a CD, click Use the CD I got from an ISP Modem and Internet Connection Problems Transferring Information to a New Computer Mail ProblemsClose the Phone and Modems Options window Setting Up Your Computer Connecting a USB Printer Setting Up a PrinterPrinter Cable USB connector on computer Printer ProblemsUSB printer On printer Cable Click Control Panel Click Printers and Other Hardware Uninterruptible Power Supplies Power Protection DevicesSurge Protectors Line Conditioners Turn off computer window, click Turn off Turning Off Your Computer Setting Up Your Computer Using a Batter y Using a Batter y Battery Performance Dell QuickSet Battery Meter Checking the Battery Charge Low-Battery Warning Microsoft Windows Power Meter Removing a Battery Charging the Battery Installing a Battery Power Problems Storing a BatteryInstalling the Optional Extended Battery Using a Batter y Using the Dell D/Bay About the Dell D/Bay Using the Dell D/Bay Using the Dell D/Bay Using the Dell D/Bay Using the Keyboard and Touch Pad Numeric Keypad Using the Keyboard and Touch PadKeyboard Shortcuts System Functions Power Management Radios Including Wireless Networking and the Bluetooth CardDisplay Functions Microsoft Windows Logo Key Functions Speaker Functions Touch Pad External Keyboard Problems Touch Pad or Mouse ProblemsCustomizing the Touch Pad Unexpected Characters Using the Keyboard and Touch Pad Using CDs, DVDs, Other Multimedia CD or DVD Problems Using CDs and DVDsUsing CDs, DVDs, and Other Multimedia If you cannot play a CD, CD-RW, or DVD Sound and Speaker Problems Copying CDs and DVDs How to Copy a CD or DVD Helpful Tips Using Blank CD-Rs and CD-RWs Using CDs, DVDs, and Other Multimedia Setting Up a Home and Office Network Network cable Setting Up a Home and Office Network Connecting to a Network Adapter Network Problems Network Setup WizardConnecting to a Wireless Local Area Network Determining Your Network Type Connecting to a Network in Microsoft Windows XP Networks Wireless network properties window appears Setting Up a Home and Office Network Click Properties Finalizing Your Network Connection Security Settings Setting Up a Home and Office Network Click Properties Setting Up a Home and Office Network Setting Up a Home and Office Network Solving Problems Solving Problems Error MessagesClick Control Panel Click Add or Remove Programs Click the Remove or Change/Remove button If the display is blank Video and Display Problems If only part of the display is readable If the display is difficult to readClick Appearance and Themes Scanner Problems If you cannot save a file to a floppy drive Drive Problems Contact Dell see Contacting Dell on PC Card Problems Error messages appear General Program ProblemsProgram crashes Program stops responding If Your Computer Gets Wet Resolving Other Technical Problems If You Drop or Damage Your Computer Drivers What Is a Driver?Identifying Drivers Using Windows XP Device Driver Rollback Reinstalling Drivers and UtilitiesUsing the Drivers and Utilities CD Manually Reinstalling Drivers Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities Click Performance and Maintenance and click System Creating a Restore Point Using Microsoft Windows XP System RestoreRestoring the Computer to an Earlier Operating State Enabling System Restore Undoing the Last System Restore Reinstalling Windows XP Reinstalling Microsoft Windows XPBefore You Begin Windows XP Setup Booting From the Operating System CD When the Welcome to Microsoft screen appears, click Next Solving Problems Adding and Replacing Parts Before You Add or Replace Parts 102 Adding and Replacing PartsAdding Memory Adding and Replacing Parts 103 104 Adding and Replacing Parts Adding and Replacing Parts 105 106 Adding and Replacing Parts Adding a Mini PCI Card Adding and Replacing Parts 107 108 Adding and Replacing Parts Adding and Replacing Parts 109 110 Adding and Replacing Parts Adding and Replacing Parts 111 Adding a Modem 112 Adding and Replacing Parts Adding and Replacing Parts 113 114 Adding and Replacing Parts P e n d i Specifications Communications Ports and ConnectorsAppendix 117 Audio Video118 Appendix Keyboard DisplayAppendix 119 Touch Pad Battery120 Appendix Physical AC AdapterEnvironmental Appendix 121 Overview Using the System Setup Program122 Appendix System Setup Screens Viewing the System Setup ScreensChanging the Boot Sequence Commonly Used Options 124 Appendix Changing Printer Modes Enabling the Infrared SensorChanging COM Ports Appendix 125 Dell Technical Support Policy U.S. Only Definition of Dell-Installed Software and Peripherals126 Appendix Definition of Third-Party Software and Peripherals Contacting Dell Austria Vienna Website support.euro.dell.com Australia SydneyBahamas Barbados Brazil BoliviaBritish Virgin Islands Brunei Colombia China XiamenCosta Rica Czech Republic Prague Website support.euro.dell.com Dominica Denmark CopenhagenDominican Republic Ecuador Home and Small Business France Paris Montpellier Website support.euro.dell.comCorporate Germany Langen Website support.euro.dell.com Guatemala GrenadaGuyana Hong Kong Website support.ap.dell.com Italy Milan Website support.euro.dell.com Ireland Cherrywood Website support.euro.dell.comJamaica 134 Appendix Korea Seoul Japan Kawasaki Website support.jp.dell.comAppendix 135 Luxembourg Website support.euro.dell.com Latin AmericaMacao Malaysia Penang Montserrat MexicoNetherlands Antilles Netherlands Amsterdam Website support.euro.dell.com Nicaragua New ZealandNorway Lysaker Website support.euro.dell.com Panama Puerto Rico Portugal Website support.euro.dell.comSt. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia Sweden Upplands Vasby Website support.euro.dell.com Spain Madrid Website support.euro.dell.com140 Appendix Taiwan Switzerland Geneva Website support.euro.dell.comThailand Trinidad/Tobago Uruguay Bracknell Website support.euro.dell.com142 Appendix Business A. Austin, TexasVirgin Islands Venezuela 144 Appendix Regulatory Notices Appendix 145 NOM Information Mexico Only What is not covered by this limited warranty? What is covered by this limited warranty?Limited Warranties and Return Policy 146 Appendix What do I do if I need warranty service? How long does this limited warranty last?Appendix 147 What will Dell do? What if I purchased a service contract?How will you fix my product? 148 Appendix Total Satisfaction Return Policy U.S. Only May I transfer the limited warranty?Appendix 149 150 Appendix Appendix 151 152 Appendix Dell Software and Peripherals Canada Only Total Satisfaction Return Policy Canada OnlyThird-Party Software and Peripherals Products Dell-Branded Peripheral Products Return Policy GuaranteeExclusions Making a Claim Dell World Trade LP Appendix 155 156 Appendix Intel’s Three Year Limited Warranty What are Errata? Appendix 157 Appendix Index 159 D ex 160 Index Index 161 162 Index