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Solving Problems 97
Reinstalling Microsoft
®
Windows
®
XP
Before You Begin
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. 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 Windows XP Device Driver Rollback" on page 92 and "Using Microsoft
®
Windows
®
XP System Restore" on page 95.
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 Drivers and Utilities CD
NOTE: The
Drivers and Utilities
CD contains drivers that were installed during assembly of the
computer. Use the
Drivers and Utilities
CD to load any required drivers.
• Product Key (Product ID Number)
NOTE: The Product Key is the bar code number on the sticker that is located on the external
side cover of your computer. You may be prompted for the Product Key when you use the
Operating System
CD under certain conditions.
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 a Dell technical support representative instructs you to do so.
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.