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Solving Problems 119
Reinstalling Microsoft
®
Windows
®
XP
Before You Reinstall
If you are considering reinstalling the Windows XP operating system to
correct a problem with a newly installed driver, first try using Windows XP
Device Driver Rollback (see page 114). If Device Driver Rollback does not
resolve the problem, then use System Restore (see page 117) to return your
operating system to the operating state it was in before you installed the
new device driver.
Reinstalling Windows XP
To reinstall Windows XP, perform all the steps in the following sections in
the order in which they are listed.
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
instructed to do so by a Dell technical support representative.
NOTICE: To prevent conflicts with Windows XP, disable any virus protection
software installed on your computer before you reinstall Windows XP. See the
documentation that came with the software for instructions.
Booting From the Operating System CD
1 Save and close any open files and exit any open programs.
2 Insert the Operating System CD. If any program starts automatically,
exit the program before proceeding.
3 Shut down the computer through the Start menu (see page 42) and
restart the computer.
4 Press 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.