Dell Latitude D531 (Mid 2007) - Manual (Page 106)

106 Reinstalling Software
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m 1 Click the Windows Vista start button → Help and Support.
2 Type hardware troubleshooter in the search field and press <Enter> to start the
search.
3 In the search results for "hardware troubleshooter," select the option that best describes the
problem and follow the remaining troubleshooting steps.
Restoring Your Operating System
You can restore your operating system in the following ways:
• Microsoft ® Windows ® XP System Restore and Windows Vista ® System Restore return 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.
• If you received Operating System media with your computer, you can use it to restore your
operating system. However, using the Operating System media also deletes all data on the
hard drive. Use the media only if System Restore did not resolve your operating system
problem.
NOTE: The Operating System media may be optional and may not ship with your computer.
Using Microsoft Windows System Restore
The Microsoft 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.
NOTICE: Make regular backups of your data files. System Restore does not 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
Windows XP:
NOTICE: Before you restore the computer to an earlier operating state, save and 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.
2 Click either Restore my computer to an earlier time or Create a restore point.
3 Click Next. Follow the remaining prompts.
Windows Vista:
1 Click the Windows Vista Start button → Help and Support.