XP won't boot,resides in C: & D:directories

[msskeptic]

Somehow xp split from the c: directory into c: and d: directories. C: seems
to contain the boot partition and D: the System partition both on the same
hard drive. Can't boot in any form, safe,etc. nor can I restore. Can boot the
Recovery console but can't effect the necessary repair with it. Prefer not to
do a complete recovery and lose a lot that was not (stupidly) backed up. Also
XP was OEM installed so I don't have an XP CD. System is a Compaq 2+ ghz,
1gb Ram, (2) 160gb HDD's, XP SP2. One further complication is all of a sudden
logon for the C: partition requires me to have a password which I never set
up and was never previously required. If anyone has a solution I will be
eternally grateful. Otherwise I plan put the thing out of it's and my
misery. Thanks for any and all suggestions.

 

[Andrew E.]

Are you sure about that,an oem will put the xp installation data on another
partition in the same hd as C:,otherwise how did xp get split like
that...Either
way,if xp is installed on a D: partition,you troubles have just begun.By
default
xp must be on C:
If you can get to recovery console,typeiskPart In DiskPart,delete the
partitions,
create one,press ESC key,reinstall xp.

 

[msskeptic]

Andrew, thanks for the response. Am trying a different route using a Linux
based Emergency Boot program that permits viewing and editing of the
installed but non working XP. Hoping to avoid a complete recovery.