problems

[rustycan]

Hi, My computer is hanging on boot up, My plan was to reinstall XP. When I boot from the CD I have the option of setting up Xp or repairing it. If I choose set up do I lose all my existing files?? Thanks

[RJS2]

Yes and if you dont want to lose the files you can either do the repair instead and see if that fixes it or slave that drive in another computer and get your files you need then do your format and reinstall.

Or you can do as some here have done and download the bootable Knoppix linux distro get to your files.

[Miz]

Click on the "setting up" option. That will eventually get you to a screen that will let you choose to do a reinstall. I've done over-the-top reinstalls several times and not lost any data but there are no guarantees. It's always wise to back your stuff up to CD or DVD anyway.

If you choose the repair option, it'll just take you to the Recovery Console, which will not be what you want.

[rustycan]

Thanks for the replies...I have ordered another HD and will try to slave the old one to it. After I get the files I need off it, I will try the re-install and see what happens.