XPupdate corrupted OS

[ken]

I attempted to get an update and have had nothing but
problems since LOTS of virtual memory errors paging file
errors I have no access to apps Dell tech wants to
reformat and reinstall problem is I need to save my data

 

[Brooke]

Have you tried System Restore?
It spares your data, settings, etc.

 

[Alex Nichol]

I attempted to get an update and have had nothing but
problems since LOTS of virtual memory errors paging file
errors I have no access to apps Dell tech wants to
reformat and reinstall problem is I need to save my data

If Dell have provided a 'proper' CD of the system, and I think they do,
the approach is to do a 'repair' install. Set the BIOS to boot CD
before Hard disk, then boot the XP CD, start Setup (do not take
'Repair' at this stage), then after the license agreement take 'Repair
Installation'. This will retain your existing software installations
and most settings. But Updates will have to be run again, especially
SP1;
It is important to activate the basic XP Firewall before you ever
connect to the net to get the patches, so as to be protected against
things like the BLAST worm.