how to reinstall xp without data loss?

Hi,

I am unable to boot into windows (including safe mode & F8 mode). I have
installed lots of software & i dont want to lose them (or reinstall them). My
windows xp professional & service pack 2 are available as 2 separate CDs. How
do i reinstall xp with sp2 without data loss & without the need to reinstall
the applications?

with regards,
murali

"Andrew E." wrote:

> You should be able to boot to xp cd,select "install xp" select "repair this
> copy"..This
> deletes all xp updates but retains data & user files as is/was....

it gives error that it was unable to delete certain files.

with regards,
murali

You should be able to boot to xp cd,select "install xp" select "repair this
copy"..This
deletes all xp updates but retains data & user files as is/was....

"murali" wrote:

> Hi,
>
> I am unable to boot into windows (including safe mode & F8 mode). I have
> installed lots of software & i dont want to lose them (or reinstall them). My
> windows xp professional & service pack 2 are available as 2 separate CDs. How
> do i reinstall xp with sp2 without data loss & without the need to reinstall
> the applications?
>
> with regards,
> murali

You need to slipstream that SP2 into the original XP.........
Do a google for 'Slipstream XP'
peter
"murali" <murali@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:4164E4A3-8EAB-4220-8977-E1895E746003@microsoft.com...
>
>
> "Andrew E." wrote:
>
>> You should be able to boot to xp cd,select "install xp" select "repair
>> this
>> copy"..This
>> deletes all xp updates but retains data & user files as is/was....
>
> it gives error that it was unable to delete certain files.
>
> with regards,
> murali

What is the exact err msg?
You may have something else going on.

"murali" <murali@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:4164E4A3-8EAB-4220-8977-E1895E746003@microsoft.com...
>
>
> "Andrew E." wrote:
>
> > You should be able to boot to xp cd,select "install xp" select "repair
this
> > copy"..This
> > deletes all xp updates but retains data & user files as is/was....
>
> it gives error that it was unable to delete certain files.
>
> with regards,
> murali