this is to restore windows xp to an earlier date,,is that what you want to do?

 

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/setup/support/sysrestore.mspx

Sorry I didn't mean a system restore, I mean I need to restore the computer back to the factory settings. It will not allow me to get to the windows screen at all. So I need to do an entire restore.

How to reformat and reinstall windows xp with the windows xp cd

http://helpdesk.its.uiowa.edu/windows/instructions/reformat.htm  ( My Favorite )
http://www.cyberwalker.com/topic.php?id=45
http://faq.oit.gatech.edu/0305.html
http://www.djdenham.com/Install%20Procedures.htm#Install 

 

Windows XP Restore Utility if this will work for you

http://support.dell.com/support/topics/global.aspx/support/dsn/en/document?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs&docid=3E48AE3870775D64E040A68F5B2877D4&journalid =484349BC691F4E3BE040A68F5A28181A&Query=&SystemID=&ServiceTag=&contenttype =&os=&component=&lang=&doclang=&toggle=&dl=

If the link above is not working for the Symantec Restore Utility instructions, then use this one below that gives the instructions

http://www.djdenham.com/New%20user%20questions.htm#PCRestore

 

Request for back up CD's for Dell's operating system, and drivers form link if you do not have the disk anymore

http://support.dell.com/support/topics/global.aspx/support/dellcare/en/backupcd_form?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs&redirect=1