Dell YH242 Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities, Restoring Your Operating System

Resolving Software and Hardware Incompatibilities

If a device is not detected during the operating system setup or is detected but incorrectly configured, you can use the Hardware Troubleshooter to resolve the incompatibility.

To resolve incompatibilities using the Hardware Troubleshooter:

1Click Start, then click Help and Support.

2Type hardware troubleshooter in the Search field, then click the arrow to start the search.

3Click Hardware Troubleshooter in the Search Results list.

4In the Hardware Troubleshooter list, click I need to resolve a hardware conflict on my computer, and then click Next.

Restoring Your Operating System

You can restore your operating system in the following ways:

•Microsoft Windows XP 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 restores your hard drive to the operating state it was in when you purchased the computer. Dell PC Restore permanently deletes all data on the hard drive and removes any applications installed after you received the computer. Use PC Restore only if System Restore did not resolve your operating system problem.

•If you received an Operating System CD with your computer, you can use it to restore your operating system. However, using the Operating System CD also deletes all data on the hard drive. Use the CD only if System Restore did not resolve your operating system problem.

Using Microsoft Windows XP System Restore

The Microsoft Windows XP operating system provides System Restore to allow 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. See the Windows Help and Support Center for information on using System Restore. To access the Windows Help and Support Center:

1Click Start→ Help and Support.

2Type a word or phrase that describes your problem, then click the arrow icon.

3Click the topic that describes your problem.

4Follow the instructions on the screen.

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 and may not apply if you set your Dell computer to the Windows Classic view.

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Troubleshooting Tools