If it really is the Operating System (Vista) that is causing the problem, the best option is a complete reinstall. Although it may show as SP2 is causing it, because of how it is intertwined with the basic OS the only "clean" way to do it is with a complete new installation.
But before you do that, run the Dell hardware diagnostics to verify the hardware is OK. F12 at Power On Self Test (POST) will allow you to access the Diagnostics. If that all shows OK, then you can continue with the assumption that Windows (Vista) is the problem.
HERE is the Dell instructions on using PC Restore (the Dell recovery partition on the hard drive) that will restore everything to the original factory condition. You will need to backup up your user data before doing the reinstall as everything will be erased during the reinstall.
I use the free and very popular and highly rated Microsoft Security Essentials for my Antivirus program. Does not hog system resources like many other "well known" Antivirus programs.
fireberd
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33.4K Posts
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July 15th, 2011 04:00
If it really is the Operating System (Vista) that is causing the problem, the best option is a complete reinstall. Although it may show as SP2 is causing it, because of how it is intertwined with the basic OS the only "clean" way to do it is with a complete new installation.
But before you do that, run the Dell hardware diagnostics to verify the hardware is OK. F12 at Power On Self Test (POST) will allow you to access the Diagnostics. If that all shows OK, then you can continue with the assumption that Windows (Vista) is the problem.
HERE is the Dell instructions on using PC Restore (the Dell recovery partition on the hard drive) that will restore everything to the original factory condition. You will need to backup up your user data before doing the reinstall as everything will be erased during the reinstall.
I use the free and very popular and highly rated Microsoft Security Essentials for my Antivirus program. Does not hog system resources like many other "well known" Antivirus programs.