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

You can use built-in windows tool to backup your settings and files:
Start -> Programs -> Accessories -> System Tools -> Backup
After new windows will be installed simply use "restore" function of this tool.
If you have no such component, install it from your windows CD:
Start -> Settings -> Control Panel -> Add or remove programs -> Add/Remove windows components.

And I recommend you to use any of disk imaging tools and create backup image of your hard disk after you reinstall your windows. You'll be able to restore entire partition with windows and all applications in this case, so no further windows re-installations are required even in case of system crash/unbootable system. I use paragon's drive backup and happy with it: http://www.drive-backup.com/. There's also another tool called True Image from acronis, but it didn't worked for me(crashed my system and recovery CD didn't work :( ) or try google.

Answer 3

Backup all your files. You can do any of the following:
-Buy rewritable cd's or dvd's and burn them, if you have a cd-rw or dvd-rw drive.

-Connect your computer to other PCs then transfer all your files.

-Install another hard disk into your PC (not necessarily a new one, could be borrowed from a friend). Then transfer your files to the new hard disk.

-Upload your files to the WWW if you have a very fast internet speed. Use any of the following:
*VMN Storage (freeware) http://storage.vmn.net/ph/index.php
My File Hut (make zip files) http://www.myfilehut.com
File Freak (make zip files) http://www.filefreak.com


*I recommend you to use this.

Answer 4

:
Better try System Restore FIRST.
Start/Programs/Accessories/System Tools/System Restore.
.
Para two: WARNING WARNING :
You will lose all the updates and go back to XP.
THEN DOWNLOAD SP1 UPDATES/
THEN SP2 UPDATES ETC.
Para three : If you have problems try these free
programs first.
1.ccleaner from wwwccleaner.com.
2.AdvancedWindowsCareV2Personal
from www.iobit.com
3.Wise Registry Cleaner
from www.wisecleaner.com

Answer 5

Go out & buy some disks & burn the files you want to disks. Or get norton ghost.

Answer 6

get a memory stick and save all your files and what every else you got on your pc on the stick.