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At some point, some of us have experienced the "terror" your computer suffering from a serious problem that is affecting the operating system, The only way out is to format and reinstall the operating system which would erase all of your data, files, folders, programs and documents.

Fortunately with Windows XP, there is a method wherein you can do a repair install utilising the repair feature without deleting your data, installed programs, personal information, or settings. It just repairs the operating system.

However, the system repair function will remove any updates you have previously installed that are not included on the CD and when completed you will have to download all the updates from the Microsoft Update because they are all replaced during repair. It may also be necessary to reactivate your operating system as well.

When or Why would you need to resort to reinstall your Operating System? There are a number of factors most commonly being:

1. Windows XP can't be started in safe mode or start it at all.

2. Problems caused by a recently installed system update (Windows Update, hot fix, Windows XP service pack, or Microsoft Internet Explorer update).

3. Your problems can't be solved with system restore, or you can't access system restore.

4. You have a Virus or Trojan that has infected critical Windows files

Before performing a repair install, make sure that you have your original install Disc and your Product Key. You will also need to access your BIOS to make sure that it is set to boot to CD/DVD.

The method is similar to performing an install until you get to the screen

Windows XP Setup

If one of the following Windows XP installation is damaged, Setup can try to repair it.

Use the UP and DOWN ARROW keys to select an installation.

To repair the selected Windows XP Installation, press R.To continue installing a fresh copy of Windows XP without repairing press ESC.

Important- If you do not see the option "To repair the selected Windows XP installation, press R" and your Windows installation is not listedStop now and press F3 to quit. Some OEM discs do not have the ability to repair an installation.

Do Not select the second option or you will lose access to your files, users and will basically have a duplicate installation of XP that will never run correctly.

From here, Setup will examine your hard drive for errors and if all is well Setup will delete all your existing Windows files without deleting your personal files.

From here on it is the same as a fresh installation right up to the final installation and when it boots into Windows, the installation completed and all your files, folders, documents and programs are all intact.

Should you have any questions or require any assistance with the above, please do contact me via email: COS Computers - coscompph@gmail.com

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