Reinstalling Windows XP over Win XP. HELP!

[timers]

OK, so now I must reinstall Windows XP because my dad forgot his password and we cannot get into his computer. Ok., no biggie, so what must I do first. I have the Windows XP cd. WHat do I need to do from here. I feel like I need to have a boot disk, or something or boot CD to get to a dos prompt, and then further install it over again from the CD. Can someone please help me do this. Thanks.

 

[btvillarin]

Can I link to my article on this? 😀
http://www.geocities.com/btvillarin/Articles/xpguide1.htm

 

[jkoXP]

just reinstalling windows over windows will not fix your problem. you have to format then reinstall.... trust me.

but if you cant boot from the cd (did you try settng it to boot from cd, in the BIOS?)

if you sitll cant, go onto a diff pc, and put xp in, and there should be a folder thats support or tools, and then bootdisk somewhere, it will make about 4 floppy disks you boot from

 

[timers]

Ok well I made this WIndiows XP boot disc type thing, its a cd that allows me to get to the intall of WIndows XP from a boot up. Should I repair my previous installation of WIndows XP or do a fresh install. I CAN NOT REFORMAT> I NEED MY DATA!

 

[bsobel]

Reinstalling is going to keep the current SAM info, as such you'll have a reinstall and still not know your password.
Bill

 

[timers]

I chose to do a FRESH INSTALL. And it told me that all user accounts, security things, and some other stuff, maybe even my documents would be deleted. I agreed to that. I think it will work. I did not format that partition so all my stuff is still there, it just basically deleted the old OS of WIndows XP, and is reinstalling a fresh one over that. I think it will work. I pray it will work.