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Restoring Your Operating System
You can restore your operating system in the following ways:
•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 Factory Image Restore (available in Windows Vista) restores 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 Factory Image Restore only if System Restore did not resolve your operating system problem.
•If you received an Operating System disc with your computer, you can use it to restore your operating system. However, using the Operating System disc also deletes all data on the hard drive. Use the disc only if System Restore did not resolve your operating system problem.
Using Microsoft Windows System Restore
The Windows operating systems provide a System Restore option which allows you to return your computer to an earlier operating state (without affecting data files) if changes to the hardware, software, or other system settings have left the computer in an undesirable operating state. Any changes that System Restore makes to your computer are completely reversible.
NOTICE: Make regular backups of your data files. System Restore does not monitor your data files or recover them.
NOTE: The procedures in this document were written for the Windows default view, so they may not apply if you set your Dell™ computer to the Windows Classic view.
Starting System Restore
1Click Start 
.
2In the Start Search box, type System Restore and press <Enter>.
NOTE: The User Account Control window may appear. If you are an administrator on the computer, click Continue; otherwise, contact your administrator to continue the desired action.
3Click Next and follow the remaining prompts on the screen.
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