reinstall XP over XP without losing anything other than windows settings?

i have an ibm t30 laptop
when i shut the lid the laptop restarts. it has been doing it for a few months now so a system restore is to late.
is there any way i can reinstall xp over the top of xp so i can keep all my installed files and programs?

i know i will loose stuff like windows updates, but will it keep emails, my documents and favs?

please help with shut down or power issue?

ps i have had a play with the power settings in control pannel and bios, but to no luck,

please help

thanks