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72 Troubleshooting Tools
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:
1
Click
Start
, then click
Help and Support
.
2
Ty p e
hardware troubleshooter
in the
Search
field, then click the arrow to start the search.
3
Click
Hardware Troubleshooter
in the
Search Results
list.
4
In 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:
1
Click
Start
→
Help and Support
.
2
Type a word or phrase that describes your problem, then click the arrow icon.
3
Click the topic that describes your problem.
4
Follow 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.