Re-Installing XP

[Doug Mason]

Can I re-install WindowsXP without affecting program
files or data files that are already on the system or
would I need to do a full backup and then restore after
XP re-install? The reason for the re-install is what
would appear to be corrupted OS files.

Thanks much

 

[jack d]

Do diagnostic from this order, from simple to complex fix:

1st, try System Restore (if this does not fix your prob) then,
2nd, try SFC (System File Checker) (if this does not fix) then,
3rd, try Repair Install from your Windows Setup CD

Notes: you may want to boot into "safe mode" before
attempting the diagnostic tasks. To boot into "safe mode" (press F8
during the POST bootup).

Other notes:
System Restore generally "put back" your system state before some changes
you had made.
SFC actually goes to your i386 folder on harddrive or XP disk to fetch a
clean file (DLL) to replace corrupted file.
Repair Install (sometimes refer to as "in place" restore) where it tries to
fix your system but preserves programs and data.

Final note:
Depending on your PC, if it's an OEM machine, you may or may not have the a
Repair Install option as from a Retail XP disk.
OEM generally has "lots" of fixe tools (you should read your manual). It
may have a separate partition where it stores all the tools and XP i386
folder needed to fix your PC. Also, there should be tools on the Start
menu, to give you choices, including a "non-destructive" recovery, or
"destructive" recovery. "Destructive" means your harddrive is wiped clean,
a new image overlay is place on it, your PC will be reverted back to the
state you had first bought the PC.

- - - -

 

[Michael Stevens]

Can I re-install WindowsXP without affecting program
files or data files that are already on the system or
would I need to do a full backup and then restore after
XP re-install? The reason for the re-install is what
would appear to be corrupted OS files.

Thanks much

Click on the link below, or copy and paste the link into the address box
if using the web based newsgroup.
Repair Install
http://michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm
--

Michael Stevens MS-MVP XP
(e-mail address removed)
http://michaelstevenstech.com
For a better newsgroup experience. Setup a newsreader.
http://michaelstevenstech.com/outlookexpressnewreader.htm

 

[Guest]

JackD...thanks much....will proceed accordingly...your
suggestions greatly appreciated.

Doug M.

 

[Bob Knowlden]

You may wish to try the System File Checker

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;310747&Product=winxp

(In brief: from a command line, run sfc /scannow. You'll need to have the XP
CD on hand if any files are to be replaced.)

If you need more drastic repairs,

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;315341

"How to Perform an In-Place Upgrade (Reinstallation) of Windows XP"

The knowledge base article is somewhat confusing (to me), but, in brief,

Change your BIOS settings to boot from the CD drive. Boot from the XP CD.
Choose to install, rather than going to the repair console. Under install,
choose to repair the exiting installation rather than doing a new one.

You will have to activate XP again. You'll also lose everything installed
through Windows Update.

Most settings, files, and installed programs will be preserved, so it's less
work than a reformat/re-install.

You may ultimately need to do the reformat, though, if your problem is a
corrupt Registry rather than bad files.

Good luck.

Bob Knowlden

Address altered to avoid spam. Replace nkbob with bobkn.

 

[Alex Nichol]

Can I re-install WindowsXP without affecting program
files or data files that are already on the system or
would I need to do a full backup and then restore after
XP re-install? The reason for the re-install is what
would appear to be corrupted OS files.

Set the BIOS to boot CD before Hard disk, then boot the XP CD, start
Setup (do not take 'Repair' at this stage), then after the license
agreement take 'Repair Installation'. This will retain your existing
software installations and most settings. But Updates will have to be
run again, especially SP1;
It is important to activate the basic XP Firewall before you ever
connect to the net to get the patches, so as to be protected against
things like the BLAST worm.

If you have drivers that only come with SP1, like USB 2 ones, you will
need to update drivers for the devices concerned. You may find that
things like virtual memory settings and some aspects of appearance have
reverted to defaults