Windows (partially) deleted...how do I reinstall without messing u

[Guest]

I recently uninstalled a program which had ties in some of the windows files.
So without me really knowing it, I deleted some files (I guess next time I
wont click Yes to All when deleting). Afterwards, windows warned me that
windows could become unstable because it noticed files missing. Well I put
in the windows xp cd and tried to reinstall some of those missing files.
Then something else popped up saying it couldn't read my CD drive correctly.
So, I hoped to restore windows and get out of this mess. But windows could
not find the file that boots up the restore program. Well, I took a risk and
reset the computer because it felt like I could do nothing else. The
computer booted back up, but it could not run windows because it was missing
a file (I wish I wrote down the file name, but I think it doesn't matter
because a lot of system files seem to be missing). It asked for me to
reinstall Windows XP. So I put in the CD and it went into the "loading
temporary files" so windows can be installed. Then it asked to go to an
automated recovery program. I tried it out because THAT is what I wanted to
do. I did not really understand how to use the program so instead I decided
to reinstall windows. Unfortunately I can not find my 25-digit-code.

So here is the ultimate question. How do I go about fixing my old Windows
XP so it can be usable. Remember, I tried to reinstall windows, so now that
when I boot up, it begins Windows XP, but straight into installing windows.
I DID NOT overwrite my old windows. My original windows is under C:\Windows
while the new windows I tried to install is under C:\Windows2. Please guide
my helpless soul into fixing my machine.

 

[AJR]

I recently uninstalled a program which had ties in some >of the windows

files.
So without me really knowing it, I deleted some files (I >guess next time I
wont click Yes to All when deleting). Afterwards, >windows warned me that
windows could become unstable because it noticed files >missing. Well I
put
in the windows xp cd and tried to reinstall some of >those missing files.
Then something else popped up saying it couldn't read >my CD drive
correctly.
So, I hoped to restore windows and get out of this >mess. But windows
could
not find the file that boots up the restore program. >Well, I took a risk
and
reset the computer because it felt like I could do nothing >else. The
computer booted back up, but it could not run windows >because it was
missing
a file (I wish I wrote down the file name, but I think it >doesn't matter
because a lot of system files seem to be missing). It >asked for me to
reinstall Windows XP. So I put in the CD and it went >into the "loading
temporary files" so windows can be installed. Then it >asked to go to an
automated recovery program. I tried it out because >THAT is what I wanted
to
do. I did not really understand how to use the program >so instead I
decided
to reinstall windows. Unfortunately I can not find my >25-digit-code.

So here is the ultimate question. How do I go about >fixing my old Windows
XP so it can be usable. Remember, I tried to reinstall >windows, so now
that
when I boot up, it begins Windows XP, but straight into >installing
windows.
I DID NOT overwrite my old windows. My original >windows is under
C:\Windows
while the new windows I tried to install is under >C:\Windows2. Please
guide
my helpless soul into fixing my machine.

Let's regroup- There are two repair options using the XP CD. Give this a
try: Boot the XP CD from the CD drive - you may have to set the BIOS option
to make the CD the first drive, if you have not done so - the first repair
option will be to use the recovery console - do not select this option -
continue with setup - you should then see dialogue telling you that a
current windows installation has been found - in your case there may both
the original and second installation listed - if the original is listed (you
may be "lucky") - select it and select repair- setup will continue as it
would normally appear (and if you are still "lucky") -
you may have the old windows back.

 

[Guest]

Let's regroup- There are two repair options using the XP CD. Give this a
try: Boot the XP CD from the CD drive - you may have to set the BIOS option
to make the CD the first drive, if you have not done so - the first repair
option will be to use the recovery console - do not select this option -
continue with setup - you should then see dialogue telling you that a
current windows installation has been found - in your case there may both
the original and second installation listed - if the original is listed (you
may be "lucky") - select it and select repair- setup will continue as it
would normally appear (and if you are still "lucky") -
you may have the old windows back.


You have given me some hope. Thank you. I do remember both options. The console I already figured NOT to touch. Ha! When I continued with the setup, it did recognize my original windows, however it advised me that it will delete the old things: "destop setup, customizations, POSSIBLY my documents." Im not really afraid of the desktop setup, just more worried if the program/registry list will be deleted, or if I lose files in my documents like papers/taxes/important documents. Set my mind at rest!