1. Step 1: Backup important files & data.
   
2. Step 2: Remove non-essential peripherals
   
3. Step 3: Prepare your computer for reinstallation.
   
4. Step 4: Reinstall the operating system from the OS Setup Disk.
   
5. Step 5: Install Dell drivers and utilities.
   
6. Step 6: Connect your computer to the internet or network.
   
7. Step 7: Install critical and recommended Windows Updates.
   
8. Step 8: Install your applications.
   
9. Step 9: Install your third-party hardware and software drivers.
   
10. Step 10: Restore your personal files and data from backups.
    

	Notice:
	By performing a Manual Reinstall, you will no longer be able to do a PC Restore or Restore to Factory Settings. Check to see if you can do a PC Restore before you do a Manual Reinstall it can save you time. Click here for PC Restore instructions.

Step 1:

Backup important files and data.

1      Click , and then click Control Panel.

---

2      In the Control Panel window, click

	System and Maintenance

, and then click

	Back Up and Restore Center

.

---

3      Under Back up files or your entire computer, click

Back up files

.

If the User Account Control window appears, and you are prompted for an administrator password or a confirmation, type your password, or click

Continue

.

---

4      On the Where do you want to save your backup? page, choose the location in which to save the backup. To do this, click either  On a hard disk, CD, or DVD or  On a network, and then specify the location.

If you select a hard disk, be sure to save the backup to an external drive such as a USB key or USB hard drive.

---

5      Click

Next

.

---

6      On the Which file types do you want to backup? page, click to select the check boxes next to the types of files that you want to back up, and then click

Next

.

---

7      On the How often do you want to create a backup? page, leave the defaults as they are and click

Save settings and start backup

 to back up the files to the specified location.

Backup will save the files in the background and may take several minutes to complete. If you specified a removable drive, Backup may prompt you to enter an additional blank disc if more than one is necessary to hold all your files. Be sure to label your discs thoroughly (such as "My Files Disc 1" etc.) so you can quickly restore them later.

Once the Backup Complete message appears, you are ready to proceed with the next step.

 Notice:

For additional resources to help resolve issues not covered under Dell's limited hardware warranty, click here.

Step 2:

Remove non-essential peripherals

Except for the monitor, keyboard, and mouse, remove all external peripherals including:

 Note:

An external peripheral is a device that connects to a port on the front, side or back of the computer, like a printer or memory key.

• Scanner
• Printer
• Modem or Network cables
• Personal Digital Assistant (PDA)
• USB flash drive or other external Hard Drive
• Any other external devices (e.g., USB-attached devices)
• Remove the computer from the docking station, if you are using one.

Step 3:

Prepare your computer for reinstallation.

Check to ensure that all your installation media is available. You will need the following:

• The Dell Operating System Reinstallation CD/DVD,
• The Dell™ Reinstallation CD for Microsoft® Windows® XP,
• The Dell™ Reinstallation DVD for Windows® Vista,
• The Dell Resource CD/DVD,
• Any application install disks,
• Any software and/or documentation for your Internet service connection,
• Any install discs for any external devices (such as a printer) and internal devices added to the computer after it was shipped by Dell.

If you are missing any of the required media for software provided by Dell, click here and fill out the form that appears to request replacement media. Dell will provide you with the most up-to-date versions of the drivers and software for your computer.

Notice:

If you ordered your laptop computer without an optical drive, you may instead choose to mail-in your computer for repair, or you can purchase an external optical drive to continue your installation.

• Click here and select from the available tech support contacts to arrange mail-in service.
• Click here to purchase an external optical drive from Dell.

Notice:

If your computer shipped with more than one hard drive and a RAID configuration installed, refer to your User's Guide for additional information about the type of RAID configuration your computer supports and how to configure it for reinstallation.

Back to Top

Step 4:

Reinstall the operating system from the OS Setup Disk.

For Windows Vista

1      Insert the Windows Install DVD into the DVD drive, and then restart your computer. When the message Press any key to boot from the CD or DVD ... appears, press a key to continue booting to the DVD.

 Note:

If the computer does not boot to DVD, follow these instructions. If it does boot to DVD ignore this note.

1    Power on the system and watch for the Dell logo to appear.

---

2    When the Dell logo appears, press the <F12> key to load the Boot Menu. If the menu does not appear, restart the system and tap <F12> several times at the Dell logo screen.

---

3    When the Boot Menu appears, highlight the CD/DVD drive (listed as "CDROM", "CD/DVD" or "CD/DVD/CD-RW") entry from the list and press <Enter>.

If the Boot Menu fails to appear after two or more tries, refer to the following articles for more information on configuring your computer to boot to the CD/DVD drive:

"How to Configure a Dell™ Dimension™ or Inspiron™ Desktop Computer to Start From a CD or DVD" Article ID: 147732

"How Do I Configure my Dell™ OptiPlex™ System to Boot to the CD or DVD Drive?" Article ID: 147846

"How to Configure a Dell™ Latitude™ Computer to Boot to the CD or DVD Drive" Article ID: 147839

"How To Configure a Dell™ Inspiron™ Portable Computer to Boot to the CD or DVD Drive" Article ID: 295074

---

2      After Vista Setup loads, confirm the Language, Time, Currency and Keyboard Method settings are correct then click Next.

3      On the Windows Vista Installation page, click Install Now.

4      Review the terms and click I accept the license terms to proceed.

5      On the Which type of installation do you want? window, click Custom (advanced).

6      On the Where do you want to install Windows window, make sure the largest Primary Partition is selected then click Next. If the Primary partition has 0GB free, there should be a separate line for Unallocated Space. Select this unallocated space and click Next.

 Note:

Your computer will restart several times during installation.

7      When the Setup window appears, select a user name, password, and picture for your user account.

8      On the next couple of screens, use the default or recommended settings prompted and click Next until you see the Time & Date screen.

9      Click to select your time zone then click Next.

10      After the Thank You message appears, click Start.

Step 5:

Install Dell drivers and utilities.

The drivers for your Dell computer can be installed from the ResourceCD/DVD or from the Dell Drivers and Downloads page.

Actual system configurations may vary. The list below is an overview of the correct order to install drivers on Dell desktop and laptop systems. After reinstalling the operating system, follow the order listed when reinstalling drivers. It is recommended that you print this list for referral when installing drivers.

	Notice:
	Some devices may not work if they are not installed in the proper order, please use the list below and install the drivers in the proper order.

	Note:
	To select the correct drivers, you need to know what components are installed on your computer. To find out what components are installed on your computer, refer to the Dell Knowledge Base Article: "How to Determine Which Components are in Your Computer" Article ID: 324898.

1. Desktop System Software (DSS) or Notebook System Software (NSS) - A vital utility that provides critical updates and patches for the operating system. If you are reinstalling the operating system or updating all the computer’s drivers, it is imperative that this software be installed first. Currently, the DSS and NSS are not required for systems with Windows Vista installed. This is located under the System and Configuration Utilities Category on the Drivers and Downloads page.

2. Chipset - Helps Windows control system board components and controllers. This is located under the Chipset Category on the Drivers and Downloads page.

3. Video Adapter - Enhances video performance. This is located under the Video Adapter Category on the Drivers and Downloads page.

4. Network Interface Card (NIC) - Enhances the network controller for Internet or network access. This is located under the Network Category on the Drivers and Downloads page.

5. Audio Adapter - Enables and enhances the audio controller. This is located under the Audio Category on the Drivers and Downloads page.

6. Modem - Allows dialup capability. This is located under the Communication Category on the Drivers and Downloads page.

7. Wireless Network Card - Enables and enhances the wireless network controller. This is located under the Network Category on the Drivers and Downloads page.

8. Touchpad, Pointer, Trackstick, Mice, and Keyboards - Enhances the pointing device features. This is located under the Mouse & Keyboards Category on the Drivers and Downloads page.

9. Other Devices 

• Bluetooth® Module
  This is located under the Communication Category on the Drivers and Downloads page.
• Dell Wireless Mobile Broadband Cards
  This is located under the Communication Category on the Drivers and Downloads page.
• PCMCIA/Smartcard controller
  This is located under the Security Category on the Drivers and Downloads page.

You can download the latest drivers for the list above from the Dell Drivers and Downloads page.  It is recommended that you print this driver order list before starting the download process on the Dell Drivers and Downloads page.

Step 6:

Connect your computer to the internet or network.

1      Plug in any network or modem cables you disconnected earlier. If your computer uses a wireless network card, refer to the Dell Knowledgebase Article: Connect To A Wireless Network - Article ID: 338826.

2      If your computer connects to the internet through a router, then your router should contain some or all of your internet connection information. After connecting your computer to the network, wait a couple of minutes for the computer to find and connect, then test your connection by launching your web browser on the computer.

If you are able to load a web page, you are connected to the internet and can move on to Step 7. Otherwise proceed below.

3     Install any connection software required by your Internet service provider (ISP). This software would have been provided to you by your ISP.

4      Configure network settings as required by your ISP.

For more information on configuring the Internet connection, see the documentation provided by your ISP or call your ISP directly.

Step 7:

Install critical and recommended Windows Updates.

1      Once connected to the internet, click , point to All Programs, then click Windows Update.

Step 8:

Install your applications.

To reinstall your applications, insert the disc for each program in your CD/DVD drive and follow the prompts that appear. (Dell will have provided you with installation discs for any programs you purchased with your computer.)

Step 9:

Install your third-party hardware and software drivers

For each device you have added to your computer since receiving it from Dell, refer to the documentation that came with that device for installation instructions.

 Note:

Some devices, such as some printers or scanners, require you install the software before you attach the device and others do not.

Step 10:

Restore your personal files and data from backups

1      Click then click Control Panel.

---

2      In the Control Panel window, click

	System and Maintenance

, and then click

	Back Up and Restore Center

.

---

3      Under Restore files or your entire computer, click Advanced Restore.

---

4      On the What do you want to restore? page, click  Files from a backup made on a different computer and click

Next

.

---

5      Locate the backup you created earlier by browsing to it now. If you saved the backup to CD(s) or DVD, insert that disc now. Once the backup is located and selected, click

Next

.

---

6      On the Select the files and folders to restore page, click Restore everything in this backup then click

Next

.

Backup will restore the files to your computer. If you are restoring from a removable drive and used more than one blank disc, Backup will prompt you to enter the next disc in the set as necessary. Depending on the number of files and their sizes, this process may take several minutes.

 Notice:

For additional resources to help resolve issues not covered under Dell's limited hardware warranty, click here.