Dell OptiPlex 740 Quick Reference Manual page 47

Reinstalling Windows XP
NOTICE:
You must use Windows XP Service Pack 1 or later when you reinstall Windows XP.
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 Media
• Dell Drivers and Utilities Media
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 Media 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.
Booting From the Operating System Media
1 Save and close any open files and exit any open programs.
2 Insert the Operating System Media. Click Exit if the Install Windows XP message appears.
3 Restart the computer.
4 Press <F12> immediately after the Dell logo appears.
If the operating system logo appears, wait until you see the Windows desktop, and then shut down the
computer and try again.
5 Press the arrow keys to select CD-ROM, and press <Enter>.
6 When the Press any key to boot from CD message appears, press any key.
Windows XP Setup
1 When the Windows XP Setup screen appears, press <Enter> to select To set up Windows now.
2 Read the information on the Microsoft Windows Licensing Agreement screen, and press <F8> to
accept the license agreement.
3 If your computer already has Windows XP installed and you want to recover your current Windows XP
data, type r to select the repair option, and remove the CD.
4 If you want to install a new copy of Windows XP, press <Esc> to select that option.
Quick Reference Guide
47