Troubleshooting Tools 63
Using the Operating System CD
Before You Begin
If you are considering a reinstall of the Windows XP operating system to correct a problem with a newly
installed driver, first try using Windows XP Device Driver Rollback (see "Using Windows XP Device
Driver Rollback" on page 58). If 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 "Using Microsoft
Windows XP System Restore" on page 60).
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 XP, you need the following items:
•Dell™
Operating System
CD
•Dell ResourceCD
NOTE: The ResourceCD contains drivers that were installed during assembly of the computer. Use the
ResourceCD to load any required drivers. Depending on the region from where you ordered your computer, or
whether you requested the CDs, the Drivers and Utilities CD and Operating System CD may not ship with your
system.
Reinstalling Windows XP
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 CD provides options for reinstalling Windows XP. The options can overwrite files
and possibly affect programs 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
CD. Click
Exit
if the
Install Windows XP
message appears.
3
Restart the computer.
4
Press <F12> immediately after the DELL™ logo appears.
If the operating system logo appears, wait until you see the Windows desktop, and then shut down the
computer and try again.
5
Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the installation.
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