This is a laptop unfortunately, and has encountered a serious error, as nothing will run from the destop or safe mode. The screen pops up a little error box with the Explorer.exe has encountered a problem and must close then resets the desktop and repeats. The Start menu or program list is completely unavailable.

My question is: Is there a way to install Windows Xp Pro on a seperate partition to access the files from the now unaccessable Windows 2000 platform. The problem is that in order to create a partition it has to be something other than installing an application such as Partition Magic (as nothing will install or run).

I had put a fresh copy of Windows XP Professional in the CD and changed the boot sequence to CD. Followed the instructions on XP setup to the "create partion" on the setup screen by pressing - "c" Nothing happened. It then asked if I wanted to use existing partition for new install. Problem is I do not want to wipe out the files and applications (mainly family pics) by installing over Windows 2000. I thought there was a way to upgrade without loosing previous files?

And just for the heck of it, I do not have the Orginal Windows 2000 Disk. So I cannot access the recovery console.

The only way to install XP as you desire is if you already have multiple partitions.

You could then install to different partition from 2K. Otherwise you can only replace 2K.
An upgrade installation (although it will eliminate 2K) should retain your data & programs.

Here is another way to extract your data:

http://techrepublic.com.com/5100-1035_11-5160538.html#