NOTICE: The Operating System media provides options for reinstalling Windows. The options can overwrite files and possibly affect programs that are installed on your hard drive. Therefore, do not reinstall Windows unless a Dell technical support representative instructs you to do so.
1Save and close any open files and exit any open programs.
2Insert the Operating System media.
3Click Exit if the Install Windows message appears.
4Restart 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
5When the boot device list appears, highlight
6Press any key to Boot from
7Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the installation.
NOTE: You cannot reinstall Dell MediaDirect if you voluntarily reformat the hard drive. You need the installation software to reinstall Dell MediaDirect. See "Contacting Dell" on page 165.
Restoring Your Microsoft® Windows® XP Operating System
•System Restore returns your computer to an earlier operating state without affecting data files. Use System Restore as the first solution for restoring your operating system and preserving data files.
•Dell PC Restore by Symantec returns your hard drive to the operating state it was in when you purchased the computer. It permanently deletes all data on the hard drive and removes any programs installed after you received the computer. Use Dell PC Restore only if System Restore did not resolve your operating system problem.