Re-install questions

[Bernie]

I ran across a sudden restart recently, and after that
point, my system would not boot up. I recieved a message
half way into the startup process that informed me that my
config sys file was missing or corrupt. I tried to boot up
off the Windows XP cd, and was not able to "repair"
anything. I then tried to run the install setup, which
completed, but now am only able to get as far as the logon
screen. I try to cancel out of this, but it wont let me. I
typed a logon name, but was not asked for a password, so I
can't logon as a user because I do not have a password.
I would just run the install again, but want to know first
if I will lose all of my personal files along the way. Is
there a way to install and save any data from the previous
working OS? Or is there a simpler way to fix this?
Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Bernie

 

[dev]

Bernie said:

I ran across a sudden restart recently, and after that
point, my system would not boot up. I recieved a message
half way into the startup process that informed me that my
config sys file was missing or corrupt. I tried to boot up
off the Windows XP cd, and was not able to "repair"
anything. I then tried to run the install setup, which
completed, but now am only able to get as far as the logon
screen. I try to cancel out of this, but it wont let me. I
typed a logon name, but was not asked for a password, so I
can't logon as a user because I do not have a password.
I would just run the install again, but want to know first
if I will lose all of my personal files along the way. Is
there a way to install and save any data from the previous
working OS? Or is there a simpler way to fix this?

http://WWW.WEBTREE.CA/windowsxp/