reinstalling XP Professional over itself

[Tony]

I am running XP Professional and none of the icons work
when you click them...an error message pops up stating it
can not find the executable file. I scanned the hard
drives with online virus tools and it comes up clean.

Should I reinstall the O/S? Can I reinstall the XP on top
of itself so as to not lose data and programs? Or must I
wipe the hard drive and reinstall everything? If I must
zap the whole hard drive, what is the best method?

Thanks.

Tony

 

[Jim Macklin]

see
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=KB;EN-US;Q315341&ID=KB;EN-US;Q315341


--
The people think the Constitution protects their rights;
But legislators see it as an obstacle to be overcome.


message | I am running XP Professional and none of the icons work
| when you click them...an error message pops up stating it
| can not find the executable file. I scanned the hard
| drives with online virus tools and it comes up clean.
|
| Should I reinstall the O/S? Can I reinstall the XP on top
| of itself so as to not lose data and programs? Or must I
| wipe the hard drive and reinstall everything? If I must
| zap the whole hard drive, what is the best method?
|
| Thanks.
|
| Tony

 

[Mike Kolitz]

Yes, you can install Windows XP on top of itself, and it won't damage your
programs or settings. You will, however, have to reinstall any security
patches or services packs, since reinstalling Windows would override them.

--
Mike Kolitz MCSE 2000
MS-MVP - Windows Setup and Deployment

Remember to check Windows Update often,
and apply the patches marked as Critical!
http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com

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