REINSTALLING WINDOWS XP

You can do one of two things and still keep your files. You can run a repair, but that usually doesn't fix all problems. You can also do a fresh install. When asked, tell it to delete the windows directory. Then when prompted regarding file system select "Leave files system as it is". The only problem with the second option, you will have to reinstall all your programs in order to reassociate them with XP. The advantage, you are able to do a fresh install and leave all files intact on your hard drive. I would suggest backing up important files just in case. You can never be sure of what might go wrong, but I just did this on two different systems and was able to keep all files with no losses.

Re-installing XP does NOT format the hard drive.

Unlike W95 and W98, re-installing XP over itself takes you back to a fresh clean install situation.

The registry and ALL system files are replaced.
So, all information for installed applications is lost and they need to be re-installed to function.

All Windows updates are also lost and need to be re-installed.

You will have a new user account, so you will need to import your mail favorites and files to the new user folder.

Chas

An additional point to mention, is that you can rename the current windows directory before doing a reinstall. I use windows-old, then do a reinstall. Then, if there is anything you needed in that old windows directory you can revert to it...

Just some additional thoughts, good luck..

Chuck

There are two ways to install Windows.
One is to install Windows from scratch and the other to install on top of the current one.

In some instances, installation on top of the current one is preferred to installation from scratch.
For example, there may be just too many applications to be reinstalled or some cannot be reinstalled because of misplaced CDs. A new motherboard may have been installed and now the dreaded BSOD appears. Is it time to start from scratch? Not necessarily. You can reinstall Windows on top of the current one and have all the programs and data intact. At least it is worth trying. I have done this a few times and all were successful.

Boot from Windows XP CD. Choose ?to set up Windows XP, press Enter? by pressing ENTER key. After the MS license agreement (F8), choose ?To repair the selected Windows XP installation, press R? by pressing R key (If you do not see this choice, you cannot install Windows on top of the current one). This will initiate Windows installation on top of the current one. After the installation is done, you will have all your original desktop, programs, and data.

To be safe, it is strongly recommended to save the data before installation (You may have to connect the HD to a different computer).

I have done numerous 'repairs' of Windows XP on different systems. The answer to your question will hinge on your meaning of the work 'Fully'. To me that means a format, and reinstall of the OS. Under that situation, you lose everything. BUT, if you are thinking about a 'repair' then you dont lose anything. Your programs will work just fine.
To initiate a repair, you need to boot from the CD, then chose 'Install windows XP', the system will search your hard drive, find the existing install of XP, and it will then prompt you to either Repair the existing install, or perform a new install. You will want to chose the repair option.
The only thing you do lose are the Windows Updates.

I have done numerous 'repairs' of Windows XP on different systems. The answer to your question will hinge on your meaning of the work 'Fully'. To me that means a format, and reinstall of the OS. Under that situation, you lose everything. BUT, if you are thinking about a 'repair' then you dont lose anything. Your programs will work just fine.
To initiate a repair, you need to boot from the CD, then chose 'Install windows XP', the system will search your hard drive, find the existing install of XP, and it will then prompt you to either Repair the existing install, or perform a new install. You will want to chose the repair option.
The only thing you do lose are the Windows Updates.

I have done numerous 'repairs' of Windows XP on different systems. The answer to your question will hinge on your meaning of the work 'Fully'. To me that means a format, and reinstall of the OS. Under that situation, you lose everything. BUT, if you are thinking about a 'repair' then you dont lose anything. Your programs will work just fine.
To initiate a repair, you need to boot from the CD, then chose 'Install windows XP', the system will search your hard drive, find the existing install of XP, and it will then prompt you to either Repair the existing install, or perform a new install. You will want to chose the repair option.
The only thing you do lose are the Windows Updates.

I have done numerous 'repairs' of Windows XP on different systems. The answer to your question will hinge on your meaning of the work 'Fully'. To me that means a format, and reinstall of the OS. Under that situation, you lose everything. BUT, if you are thinking about a 'repair' then you dont lose anything. Your programs will work just fine.
To initiate a repair, you need to boot from the CD, then chose 'Install windows XP', the system will search your hard drive, find the existing install of XP, and it will then prompt you to either Repair the existing install, or perform a new install. You will want to chose the repair option.
The only thing you do lose are the Windows Updates.

I have done numerous 'repairs' of Windows XP on different systems. The answer to your question will hinge on your meaning of the work 'Fully'. To me that means a format, and reinstall of the OS. Under that situation, you lose everything. BUT, if you are thinking about a 'repair' then you dont lose anything. Your programs will work just fine.
To initiate a repair, you need to boot from the CD, then chose 'Install windows XP', the system will search your hard drive, find the existing install of XP, and it will then prompt you to either Repair the existing install, or perform a new install. You will want to chose the repair option.
The only thing you do lose are the Windows Updates.

I assume you're having Window XP problem because of your desire to reinstall. However XP has a feature wherein you can restore your system to a point in the past. Click START, PROGRAMS, ACCESSORIES, SYSTEM TOOLS then RESTORE. A calendar will pop up so you can select a specific date in the past that you want to restore to.