Restoring The Operating System; Using Microsoft Windows System Restore - Dell XPS C100J Quick Reference Manual

Restoring the Operating System

You can restore your operating system to a previously stable point in the
following ways:
• Microsoft Windows System Restore is a integrated component of
Windows XP and Windows Vista. Microsoft Windows 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 (available in Windows XP) and Dell Factory
Image Restore (available in Windows Vista) restores your hard drive to the
operating state it was in when you purchased the computer. These
processes permanently delete all data on the hard drive and remove any
programs installed after you received the computer. Use Dell PC Restore
or Dell Factory Image Restore only if System Restore did not resolve your
operating system problem.

Using Microsoft Windows System Restore

The Windows operating systems provide a System Restore option which
allows 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. Any
changes that System Restore makes to your computer are completely
reversible.
CAUTION:
monitor your data files or recover them.
NOTE:
The procedures in this document were written for the Windows default
view, so they may not apply if you set your Dell computer to the Windows
Classic view.
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Troubleshooting
Make regular backups of your data files. System Restore does not