Tech Support > Operating Systems > Windows XP > Reinstallation of XP versus repair
Reinstallation of XP versus repair
Posted by Kevin on February 10th, 2008


I recently had a 'NTLDR is missing' issue on my computer. After a series on
nonworking fixes, I'm wondering if I can reinstall XP on the hard drive...
Thing is, I have lot of items in documents and setting folders.

Will those files be overwritten/deleted/moved if a reinstallation is done
with the setup disk.

Would repair delete the files as well?

Posted by GreenieLeBrun on February 10th, 2008




Kevin wrote:
You could try a repair install this leaves your files intact. Of course be
aware that things can and do go wrong at times. You should back up your
important data to external media before you do any more ( of course you do
this routinely any way, don't you?).



Posted by Jerry on February 11th, 2008


A repair install is a reinstallation but all of your stuff is basically
intact.

"Kevin" <Kevin@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:BD163355-F3DB-4E8C-B08C-206061DE929B@microsoft.com...


Posted by Kevin on February 11th, 2008


Thanks to both of you for the replies. Yes, backing up would have been
perfect, but I didn't hit my next scheduled one (6 month intervals).

I was able to complete a repair last night and all my personal files were
intact though. Only issue was the display drivers are messed up.
Nonetheless, 1/2 my son's life is still accessible through digital photos
once again!

Thanks both of you for your replies.

Posted by GreenieLeBrun on February 11th, 2008




Kevin wrote:
Glad to help.

You will need to re-install the video drivers, these should be on a CD that
came with the machine or get new ones from the computer or video card
manufacturers site. If you do not know what card is in the machine then
Belarc Advisor (http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html) will help to ID
the card.