Will Not Reinstall Windows XP

[Guest]

Hi, I'm having a problem reinstalling Windows XP Pro.
Before this problem I was receiving error messages saying
that some system files were missing. The first thing I
attempted was to do a restore. Each time I tried it was
unsuccessful. So the next thing was to try and reinstall
Windows XP Pro. It looked like my troubles were over,
when I stopped installation with about thirteen to go. I
regret that forgot to write down the error message, but
had something to do with not being able to read a file.
It will not do anything but cycle back to this point. If
I could get some files out of the documents, I would just
do a clean install. Can you help me?

JHJ

 

[Guest]

The Windows XP CD is bootable and contains all the tools
necessary to partition and format your drive. Follow this
procedure and allow Windows XP to partition and format
your drive:

NOTE: It would be best to physically disconnect all your
peripheral hardware devices, except the monitor, mouse and
keyboard, before installing XP.

1. Open your BIOS and set your "CD Drive as the first
bootable device".

===> Accessing Motherboard BIOS
===>
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/bios_manufacturer.htm

2. Insert your Windows XP CD in the CD Drive and reboot
your computer.
3. You'll see a message to boot to the CD....follow the
instructions.
4. The setup menu will appear and you should elect to
delete all the existing Windows partitions, then create a
new partition, then format the primary partition
(preferably NTFS) and proceed to install Windows XP.

5. Clean Install Windows XP
http://michaelstevenstech.com/cleanxpinstall.html

[Courtesy of Michael Stevens, MS-MVP]

6. ==> Immediately after installing Windows XP, turn on
XP's Firewall. MAKE SURE YOU TURN ON A FIREWALL BEFORE
GOING ONLINE!!!!
==> http://www.microsoft.com/security/protect/

7. After Windows XP is installed, visit the Windows
Update website and download the available "Critical
Updates".

8. After installing the critical updates, be sure and
visit the support website of the manufacturer of the
computer to download and install any available Windows XP
compatible drivers, such as video adapter and audio
drivers.

9. If you happen to run into any installation
difficulties, use the following resources:

How to Troubleshoot Windows XP Problems During
Installation
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?
scid=kb;EN-US;310064

Troubleshooting Windows XP Setup
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_setup.htm

[Courtesy of MS-MVP Kelly Theriot]

 

[Will Denny]

Hi JHJ

If you posted your problems, someone may be able to help before you have
reinstall.

If you are certain that you want to reinstall XP:

The following article by MVP Michael Stevens shows how to clean install XP:

http://michaelstevenstech.com/cleanxpinstall.html

 

[Guest]

Hi Will, thanks for your reply. At this point all I want
to do is save some files. I put the hard drive as a slave
drive on another computer. It will read most of the
folders and files, but if will not open the "My
Documents" folder. When I click on it, a window opens
that says, Documents and Settings\Administrator\My
Documents is not accessible. Access is denied. Is there
anything can I do to save my flies? Joseph.