Re Installing windows without data loss?

Question

I recently found a similair question asked on here but it didnt quite answer my problem. I recently had to change my motherboard due to a resistor setting alight and permanently ruining the functionality of my system. The only part replaced was the motherboard, however as windows saw this as a substantial change It will now not allow me to log onto my computer (I choose my account and it says I must activate) However I cant activate my account... So what I need to do is re install my windows without loosing my data. It is very important my hard disk does not get formatted because my data is vital. I read that i should "Repair" my system but when I press R, when I have booted from my xp disc it comes up with the recovery console. I do not know what command to use in this console... So how can I get my pc working again without loosing all my files?? A specific and "easy" guide to doing this would be MUCH appreciated... Thx guys

Answer 1

this can happen one of two ways when you boot up from the disk let it goto to the first menu and then go past the recovery console so you have to make it so it installs windows when it goe's to it it will say do you want to install windows and then it will say press r to repair windows or enter to install. if the first one don't work goto install and it will tell you there is already a folder call c:/windows goto change folder by pressing esc and change it to win or what ever and continue but DO NOT FORMAT LEAVE PARTITION AS IT IS this will install two versions of windows but you can them pull all the other files over to the new one as they are still on the computer for more info e-mail me at [e-mail]

Answer 2

This is how you do the repair, but if you replaced the motherboard in order for windows to work, I am 100 percent sure you must reinstall windows. You can try the repair, but I don't know if it will work.


1.
When the Press any key to boot from CD message is displayed on your screen, press a key to start your computer from the Windows XP CD.

2.
Press ENTER when you see the message To setup Windows XP now, and then press ENTER displayed on the Welcome to Setup screen.

3.
Do not choose the option to press R to use the Recovery Console.

4.
In the Windows XP Licensing Agreement, press F8 to agree to the license agreement.

5.
Make sure that your current installation of Windows XP is selected in the box, and then press R to repair Windows XP.

6.
Follow the instructions on the screen to complete Setup.

Answer 3

Assuming that you have a legit o/s adn that it is registered to you? simply re-register it with the data and info you originally used its that easy... if you want to use recovery console thats fne but you changed a main part in your pc and billy boy gates is watching you...
If you re install windBLOWS you indeed will loose everything...
if you do a recovery console? well you will face the dreaded activate now or quit feature...
Genuine Windows Validation - Windows Piracy Check

If you're one of those 10 million Windows users who think you have a genuine copy of Windows -- but actually bought a fake or illegal copy, you'll be asked to validate your software before being allowed to use Windows or any Updates.
What you need to do

Open Internet Explorer and select

Tools > Manage Add-ons
A dialogue will appear Select ...

Windows Genuine Advantage and Select Disable for the add-on
Run windows update again and you should get a message. Ignore the message and windows update should work as normal. * this is for xp sp1. and then choose activate by phone...
if you got the sp2 version well I umm hear that there are wga kill tools to remove that annoyance on the net but thats just something I heard someplace

Answer 4

In order to ensure your data is not overwritten, I highly recommend purchasing a new hard disk and installing a fresh MS Windows Operating system. I would then add your existing disk as a secondary disk or "slave" disk and copy any important data from that disk to your new hard disk, leaving the old hard disk intact, at least until you are sure you have a working copy of all your data.

Answer 5

You don't press "R" at that screen, that's to enter the Recovery Console, press "Enter" instead and that will take you to the screen where you'll have the option to run a "repair installation". Here's how to do it, with screenshots.
http://www.webtree.ca/windowsxp/repair_xp.htm#How%20to%20Repair%20Windows%20XP%20by%20Installing%20Over%20top%20of%20Existing%20Setup:

Answer 6

in case you could't activate abode windows through motherboard exchange, then basically call them up. abode windows XP pops up an activation window which helps you to activate over the telephone. basically dial up the customer help extensive style to your area and clarify the concern to them. they might desire to grant you a sparkling activation key.

Answer 7

Try to use your Hard Disk Drive in another Computer(note: make it a slave)... back it up and then when your done backing up all your data, Reformat your HDD in your own machine...

Answer 8

dont press r press enter after that it will look for previously installed windows