Backup hard drive before reinstalling Windows XP

[Guest]

I have a Dell computer with Windows XP. Something happend and the operating system needs to be reinstalled. However, I have some very important information that I need to save and it is my understanding that I will lose all of this information if I reinstall Windows XP. I can't even get to my desktop. Can anyone help me with how to back up my hard drive before reinstalling Windows XP?????

 

[Carey Frisch [MVP]]

How to Perform a Windows XP Repair Install
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm

[Courtesy of MS-MVP Michael Stevens]

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows XP - Shell/User

Be Smart! Protect your PC!
http://www.microsoft.com/security/protect/

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|I have a Dell computer with Windows XP. Something happend and the operating system needs to be reinstalled.
However, I have some very important information that I need to save and it is my understanding that I will
lose all of this information if I reinstall Windows XP. I can't even get to my desktop. Can anyone help me
with how to back up my hard drive before reinstalling Windows XP?????

 

[Guest]

kshaddix,

Please try Last Known Good Configuration first:
Start/Restart your computer and start pushing F8 key twice per second.
Select Last Known Good Configuration on Windows Advanced Options screen, and push Enter.

If not, check this:
Troubleshooting startup problems (Windows XP)
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?kbid=308041

Only as a last resort:
Recovery Console (Everything related) (Windows XP)
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;307654&Product=winxp
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;314058&Product=winxp

and:

Install or Upgrade Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;316941&Product=winxp

Good Luck!

 

[t.cruise]

Have you tried other methods before resorting to a clean install?

Have you tried booting and pressing the F8 key twice a second BEFORE the Windows XP logo,
and the when the menu comes up pressing the corresponding key for Last known good
configuration?

Have you tried a Repair Install, which keeps your programs and data files?

For a step by step walk through of a
Windows XP Repair Install, including screenshots, go to:

http://www.webtree.ca/windowsxp/repair_xp.htm

When the page opens, scroll down and click on: How To Run A Repair
Install.
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T.C.
t__cruise@[NoSpam]hotmail.com
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I have a Dell computer with Windows XP. Something happend and the operating system

needs to be reinstalled. However, I have some very important information that I need to
save and it is my understanding that I will lose all of this information if I reinstall
Windows XP. I can't even get to my desktop. Can anyone help me with how to back up my
hard drive before reinstalling Windows XP?????