How can i re-install my Windows xp wihout losing any of my PCs files?

Question

I have it's CD and i want to re-install the present windows xp,cause i have some problems with it.
But i dont want to lose any of my computer files.
What should i do step by step to do this?

Answer 1

Do a repair install. Boot your PC with the Windows XP CD.
Press any key to start from the CD.

In the blue Setup screen, the computer asks you, if you like to repair the System with the repair console. Choose not to by pressing Enter (the repair console is for repairing the start sector and other "computer guru" stuff. You just want a "normal" repair).

Accept the EULA with F8.

Setup will find a Windows XP install. Choose the correct Windows Installation but this time *do* press R.

Windows will do a repair installation and keep your settings and data.

If Windows doesn't allow you to do a repair install (e.g. your computer Manufacturer gave you only a recovery disc, or you created a CD for an unattended install) you need to backup your data.
Create a BartPE disc (see link below) and boot from this disc. BartPE is a "mini-Windows" that can run off a CD.
In the BartPE Windows, open your Harddisk and rename the "Windows" folder to "Winold", the "Program Files" folder to "Progs" and the "Documents and Settings" folder to "Docs".

Now install Windows normally with your original XP disc.

After a successful install, copy your data from the "Docs" folder back to your newly created "Documents and Settings" folder.

Copy back "Progs" to "Program Files" and install the software again.

Answer 2

When you boot the computer from the cd, you should be taken to the Windows XP installation. If you arent taken to the XP installation while booting with the cd inserted, you will have to change your bois to allow the cr rom to boot first, because most computers are defaulted to boot from the hard drive first. You can enter the bios screen by hitting ESC or DELETE as soon as the system starts to boot up.

When you boot with the cd, you will be given the option to Repair Windows. This will overwrite the C:/windows folder, keeping all your other files intact. You will have to still reinstall any programs to get them to work, along with updates to the os....

Hope this works for ya.

Answer 3

Back them up - burn them onto CD. When you reinstall, divide your hard drive into 2 partitions; C:\ for system files and D:\ for personal files. Then if you have to do the same again, you only need to install to the C:\ drive and thwe D:\ will be untouched.

Answer 4

Here is a guide to a non-destructive reinstall of windows - I'd still back up my data if I were you though...
http://www.informationweek.com/shared/printableArticle.jhtml?articleID=189400897

Answer 5

Back all of your stuff up 1st on a flash drive or CDs.