Restoring Your Operating System; Using Microsoft Windows Xp System Restore - Dell DIMENSION 3000 SYSTEMS DMC Owner's Manual

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.
• 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.

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 help, see
page 8.
NOTICE:
recover them.
NOTE:
The procedures in this document were written for the Windows default view, so they may not
work if you set your Dell™ computer to the Windows Classic view.
Creating a Restore Point
1
Click the Start button and click Help and Support.
2
Click System Restore.
3
Follow the instructions on the screen.
Restoring the Computer to an Earlier Operating State
If problems occur after you install a device driver, use Device Driver Rollback (see page 39) to
resolve the problem. If that is unsuccessful, then use System Restore.
NOTICE:
and exit any open programs. Do not alter, open, or delete any files or programs until the system
restoration is complete.
1
Click the Start button, point to All Programs→ Accessories→ System Tools, and then click
System Restore.
2
Ensure that Restore my computer to an earlier time is selected and click Next.
3
Click a calendar date to which you want to restore your computer.
The Select a Restore Point screen provides a calendar that allows you to see and select restore
points. All calendar dates with available restore points appear in boldface type.
40
Advanced Troubleshooting
Make regular backups of your data files. System Restore does not monitor your data files or
Before you restore the computer to an earlier operating state, save and close any open files