Reinstall Windows xp - will it work

[Cindy]

Can I install Windows XP from the Gateway disk or will I lose all my
files on my desktop?

I can't start Windows right now at all.

Thanks
Cindy

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

Cindy;
That depends on the options Gateway included on their restore media,
all OEMs do it differently.
Check your manual and/or contact Gateway for details.

You should always have back-ups of all important data.

 

[paullie]

As stated, it depends on what's available. My laptop has the option of
reloading XP (directly from the internal code.. no data disk required),
without loosing my files. Start the computer, then immediately press/hold
F11. That takes me to the right function. The options are to either reformat
or reload XP. The downside is that you will probably have to re-install any
3rd party software that you're currently using.


Best, Paul

 

[HeyBub]

Can I install Windows XP from the Gateway disk or will I lose all my
files on my desktop?

I can't start Windows right now at all.

What happens when you TRY to start windows.

If your car were out of gas or had a dead battery, you wouldn't buy a new
car.

Let's see if we can fix what's wrong.

 

[Patrick Keenan]

Can I install Windows XP from the Gateway disk
Yes,

or will I lose all my
files on my desktop?

Possibly, it depends on the install process.

I can't start Windows right now at all.

Back up your data *first*. You have no guarantee that whatever reinstall
you perform will maintain your data; in fact some methods are guaranteed to
delete it all.

It's easy to do this if you have access to another XP system with enough
drive space and a USB2 drive connector or case ($20). Remove your hard
disk, attach it to the USB2 case, plug that into the other system, copy your
files. You may need to Take Ownership.
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/308421

HTH
-pk