My WIN XP has corrupt files. How can I restore these files without losing my information?

Question

I have a FAT32 system. I don't have a backup or restore disc. I don't have anything to work with and Windows won't boot completely. The worst case scenario is starting from scratch; wiping out my hard drive. Don't bother answering if that is what you're going to tell me. Formating my hard drive is not an option. If you know the answer, I am going to need step-by-step instructions as I know nothing about the technical side of PCs. Assume NOTHING. Thanks to the person in advance that saves my computer!!! I really need it back. It has been "out of commission" for nearly a year, now.

Answer 1

Well with no restore disc or back up - you don't have too many options. Best to bring it to a computer repair shop - have them recover your files and re-install windows xp for you.

Answer 2

Well, there are a few things you can do.

The first thing you should do is try to boot into "Safe Mode". You may be able to rescue your files from there. (You should do a Google search for safe mode for instructions on this.)

The next thing I would try is download a free Operating System (like Windows) called KNOPPIX (see http://www.knoppix.org/). You will need to burn this to a disc (you'll need a free program--partially from Microsoft-- called ISO recorder--avoid other programs). After that is complete you should be able to put the disc into your drive and boot from it. That way you should be able to see all you files and copy them to a USB key or another hard drive. If you can do this your data should be safe on the USB drive.

Then you could safely reinstall Windows XP, without losing any of your data, you would just copy it back from the USB drive.

Now, you say that you're not really technical. It's probably better to just take your computer in to the horribly named "Geek Squad" or, better a local PC builder than try to fix this on your own. Your computer might also be under warranty--if that's the case you may want to contact the manufacturer. Technical support people really should be able to fix this--as it's a rather common problem.

Sorry for the somewhat technical nature of this response. Let me summarize in a nutshell:

1) You should consult a technical support organization, be it one locally, on the phone, or the maker of your PC.
2) You should focus on rescuing your data.
3) After you get your data you could then have Windows reinstalled--assuming that there's not some kind of hardware issue causing this, in which you probably should buy a new computer.

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On a side note: you should be aware that there is no "Windows XP Service Pack 3" yet--contrary to what the last poster said. (SP3 might come out in 2008) But for now, Service Pack 2 is the current version.

Answer 3

Try to boot up in safe mode. To do this, while the XP screen is loading hold down the F8 key. A menu will come up asking you what you want to do. Check Safe Mode.
If it will not start in safe mode, you are out of luck. If it will Click Start, Programs, Accessories, System tools, System restore. Select Restore my computer to an earlier time. Dates of restore points will be highlighted on the calendar, pick a date about 2 months back, and restore the system. If system restore was turned on this should work. It restores XP system files to the date you pick, and some programs you put on after that date will have to be reinstalled, but you will not lose personal items like pictures or documents.

Answer 4

You can try restoring to a previous date, if it will let you access the support screen. On your start menu there is an item that lists as system support or help I don't remember the exact name, but It takes you to a screen and one of the options is to restore to a checkpoint at an earlier date. For future reference get a restore disk or a disk that you can reload windows from. Often xp will reload and repair without losing data.

Answer 5

You can try restoring to a previous date, if it will let you access the support screen. On your start menu there is an item that lists as system support or help I don't remember the exact name, but It takes you to a screen and one of the options is to restore to a checkpoint at an earlier date. For future reference get a restore disk or a disk that you can reload windows from. Often xp will reload and repair without losing data.

Answer 6

If u have your origional Xp Cd u can enter it in your cd rom drive(as soon as u tun on yur pc) and wait for it to boot (this is before startup) it will give you the blue formattiong screen here u have 2 options if your Xp service pack is 3 ur in luck u have the option of formatting it without loosing yours data when it asks u what kind of format u want choos the one that says, system files only in parenthesis it will say ¨leave everything as it is¨ if you choose this option it will format yur operating system without erasing anything. The other way is to choose the ¨repair¨ boot option in older versions of windows Xp service packs(this doesen´t always work thogh).

Answer 7

How did you do the fix technique precisely? Deleted information are actually not bodily long gone from the annoying stress till written over, so the two examine some sturdy 'undelete' or 'report restoration' utility or pay somebody some quid to do it for you as they'd have extra helpful utility or do a extra thorough and effective interest.

Answer 8

Click on Start (lower left corner), then click on Help and Support (on right), then click on the blue space if it won't move as you press your down arrow, but you want to get the page to go down to the word Tools, and click on that, then click on System Restore on the left side. BE VERY CAREFUL WHEN YOU RUN THIS! YOU COULD ERASE EVERYTHING ON YOUR COMPUTER!!!! Now you have to read everything. Do what they say. I'm not telling you what to do...but be alone when you're doing this, with no interruptions. You click on the wrong thing and you'll delete everything on your hard drive (your computer). Take your time, this is not a fun thing to play with, I hope you understand my concern for you,... to help. Any more questions, it's possible I think that: http://www.livejournal.com/support/ ...this place might help. In fact go ask them first, before you even listen to me. On this site go down to "Have a Question?"
and maybe you'll have to sign-up, I don't know for sire, but it's o.k. if you do. You're going to be an expert! Love you, want to help you, and you're ok! Just TAKE YOUR TIME! Hey, if you're near a CompUSA store, ask the guy on the right as you walk in, their help desk. He knows a lot...actually every CompUSA, or any other computer store will help too.

Answer 9

Hello,

Maybe your hard drive is in danger, and it needs to get reformatted.. That happened to me lots of times, and fortunately I was able to recover all the data using a great software tool, which I recovered all of my files.

Here is what I recommend: Download this!
http://www.download.com/Active-File-Recovery/3000-2248_4-10566122.html?tag=lst-0-1

Use this program to try and recover all of your files from that Hard Drive, and after you do that, reformat it and it will be back to normal.

Hope this helps! It worked for me!

Good luck.