How to Reload a Windows XP Partition on a Dell
Dell computers come loaded with a restore partition on the main hard drive. That restore partition allows you to automatically install a clean operating system. After the restore is complete, the computer is back to his factory state. The process of restoring a Windows XP partition is mainly automated and nonreversible. If you choose to use the restore function to reload your Windows XP operating system, you will not be able to keep any data on your hard drive.
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Instructions
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Backup data
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1
Click on the "Start" menu and select "All Programs." Go to "Accessories," then "System Tools" and "Files & Settings Transfer Wizard."
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2
Click "Next" on the new "File and Settings Transfer Wizard" window, select "Old Computer" and press "Next."
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3
Click "Unlock" if you have a Windows Security Alert window that pops up.
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4
Choose whether you want to copy the backup files onto a large USB drive, a DVD or over the network on another computer. Press "Next."
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5
Select "Both files and settings" and press "Next." Let the wizard make a backup of your computer files.
Reload Windows XP
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6
Restart your computer and press "CTRL"+"F11" when the Dell logo is displayed.
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7
Click "Restore" in the "Dell PC Restore by Symantec" window. Confirm that you are aware that all the data stored on the hard drive will be lost.
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8
Let the software run its course and click the "Finish" button when your Windows XP operating system is reloaded.
Reload data
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9
Reload the "Files & Setting Transfer Wizard" using the method described in Step one of Section 1.
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10
Select "New computer" and press "Next."
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11
Select "I don't need a Wizard Disk. I have already collected my files and settings from my old computer."
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12
Select where the backup you created is, whether it is a USB thumbdrive, DVD or located on the network. Click "Next." The wizard will import all your personal data.
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13
Reboot your computer.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Section 3 is optional. Do not do Section 3 if you want to sell or otherwise transfer ownership of the computer.
The data backup wizard might not save all the files that you want saved because it only scans select directories and folders. Always make sure that all the data you want saved is secured on another storage medium.
