Windows Install

[raymie34]

Would it be better to re-install Windows XP to repair it or to just choose
repair. I think if I reinstall it I will loose all my data, am I correct?
My computer keeps freezing up and blue screening, and I figure this would be
the best way to elevate this problem. Please help.

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

Would it be better to re-install Windows XP to repair it or to just choose
repair.

That depends entirely on what's wrong. Repair may or may not fix it.

 

[Daave]

Would it be better to re-install Windows XP to repair it or to just
choose
repair.

Your question is unclear.

There are two ways to (re-)install Windows: a clean install and a repair
install. To further complicate matters, when you boot off the setup
disk, you get a choice to also "repair a Windows XP installation using
Recovery Console" (which is *not* the same thing as a repair install!).
See this screen shot:

http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/XPpro1setup.jpg

The first choice is for installing Windows (clean install *or* repair
install). The second choice is to enter the Recovery Console.

I think if I reinstall it I will loose all my data, am I correct?

Again, this is unclear. If you perform a *clean* install, you are
correct; you will lose all your data (unless you back it up first).
However, if you perform a repair install, your data will remain intact.
Actually, you should still back up your data anyway because nothing has
a 100% guarantee.

My computer keeps freezing up and blue screening, and I figure this
would be
the best way to elevate this problem. Please help.

Feel free to post the error messages here. Have you tried Safe Mode or
Last Known Good Configuration? If you can't get into Windows whatsoever,
you may have luck with the procedure outlined here:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/307545

This method involves using the Recovery Console, by the way.

 

[Xandros]

Freeze ups and blue screens are most often related to hardware problems. If
that is the case then reinstalling Windows is not going to help. Start by
checking to ensure your cpu is not overclocked. If it is clock it back to
the speed it is rated for. Also check to ensure your cpu fan is working
efficiently. Blow any dust out of the heat sink using compressed air. Also
blow any accumulated dust out of the power supply. Test the Ram using a ram
tester like this one http://oca.microsoft.com/en/windiag.asp Other problems
could include a faulty power supply or even expanded capacitors on the
motherboard.