Reinstalling Software 153
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 "Enabling System Restore" on page147.
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 , 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 computer. Use the
Dell
Drivers and Utilities
media
to
load any required drivers. Depending on the region from which you ordered your
computer, or whether you requested the CDs, the
Dell
Drivers and Utilities
media
and Operating System media may not ship with your computer.
Reinstalling Windows XP or Windows Vista
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 media provides options for reinstalling Windows
XP. The options can overwrite files and possibly affect programs that are 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
media.
3
Click
Exit
if the
Install Windows
message appears.
4
Restart the computer.
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
computer and try again.
NOTE: The next steps change the boot sequence for one time only. On the
next start-up, the computer boots according to the devices specified in the
system setup program.
book.book Page 153 Wednesday, August 13, 2008 12:12 PM