Restoring Your Microsoft ® Windows ® Xp Operating System; Using Microsoft Windows System Restore; Starting System Restore - Dell Vostro 1400 Owner's Manual

Restoring Your Microsoft
Operating System
• 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 returns your hard drive to the operating state
it was in when you purchased the computer. It permanently deletes all data
on the hard drive and removes any programs installed after you received
the computer. Use Dell PC Restore only if System Restore did not resolve
your operating system problem.
• If you received an Operating System disc with your computer, you can use
it to restore your operating system. However, using the Operating System
disc also deletes all data on the hard drive. Use the disc only if System
Restore did not resolve your operating system problem.

Using Microsoft Windows System Restore

The Windows 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.
NOTICE:
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.

Starting System Restore

NOTICE:
close any open files and exit any open programs. Do not alter, open, or delete any
files or programs until the system restoration is complete.
1 Click Start→ All Programs→ Accessories→ System Tools→ System
Restore.
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Troubleshooting
Make regular backups of your data files. System Restore does not
Before you restore the computer to an earlier operating state, save and
®
Windows
®
XP