Hi

I encountered a problem Saturday night - lost graphics drive - that crashed my PC. It continued to turn the PC off after about 10 minutes. As I didn't realise this was the problem I thought it was a virus/trogan and tried to run adaware etc.
Now the PC will not boot, even in Safe Mode. I therefore need to restore the PC and my service provider has suggested the restore factory settings discs. However this will remove all my files - not all of which are backed up.

I have been informed that if I boot the machine with a Windows XP disc it will attempt to install, find there is a version already there and will attempt to fix the existing version. I will therefore not lose my files.
Is this the case? will it work?

Also has the status of the PC become worse as it has become more corrupted each time it has crashed? So therefore I do not have a virus.

Rich

If your CD is a full install or upgrade you can run a repair install which will leave your programs and settings, files, intact.

If your XP is OEM then refer to your manual for repair options.
If OEM then perhaps you might consider putting the drive on another computer to get your files before you run a "Factory Recovery".

Here is a good reference. If your XP was a full install you want to follow the instructions for a "Repair Install".

http://michaelstevenstech.com/index.html

jephree
Took your advice and put the hard drive on another machine first.

Thanks for the advice and the link.

Rich