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Restore to return your operating system to the operating state it was in before you installed the new device driver. See "Using Microsoft Windows System Restore" on page 149.
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
To reinstall Windows, you need the following items:
•Dell™ Operating System media
•Dell Drivers and Utilities media
NOTE: The Dell Drivers and Utilities media contains drivers that were installed during the assembly of the
Reinstalling the Operating System
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.
1Save and close any open files and exit any open programs.
2Insert the Operating System media.
NOTE: When reinstalling Windows XP, insert the operating system media into an externally powered USB optical drive.
3Click Exit if the Install Windows message appears.
4Restart the
When the DELL logo appears, press <F12> immediately.
NOTE: If you wait too long and the operating system logo appears, continue to wait until you see the Microsoft® Windows® desktop; then, shut down your
NOTE: The next steps change the boot sequence for one time only. On the next
5When the boot device list appears, highlight
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Reinstalling Software