Simple question needs fast answer plz

[dbal]

Can I use my WinXP cd to install over my existing XP installation?? Same version (prof) same language. Will anything (drivers, programs, settings etc.) be modified???
I am trying an OS files repair.........

 

[Willoughbyva]

Good question. I have once in the past (if memory serves me correctly) been able to fix a problem through the install gui. Usually it just dumps me to a console with command line tools to fix a problem, though I really don't know much about the commands. There was a command called "fixboot" or something that helped me once, maybe it will help fix yours. I usually just format and reinstall though I understand where if you need your data it might not be an option. You could also try the new install or what ever they call it as long as you don't format the drive your data should still be there. If it doesn't install with all your apps working then I would save all the data I needed and then do a format clean install.

good luck

Will

 

[vatanner]

You can boot into the install and then pick "R" to repair the install. This will leace all the drivers and software untouched but it will fix boot problems and other errors.

 

[cleverhandle]

The unintuitive thing here is that if you choose "repair" at the first opportunity, it will dump you into the recovery console, which is not what you're after here. You want to decline the first offer to repair, and a short time later the installation program will detect the prior installation and give you the auto-repair option.