Last weekend I decided to delete my anti-virus programme because I don't have internet anymore. I didn't think it would make a difference, but now my pc keeps freaking out everytime I try to switch it on. It keeps saying I have a corrupt/missing file, and keeps restarting. How can I fix this problem? Will I be able to retrieve my files?
Please help if you can, I'm so in the dark here.

Ciao,
mlungu girl

what antivirus was it, how was it removed, can you boot into safe mode?

F-secure...I tried starting up in safe mode, and i got to my desktop, but then my pc just shutdown again!

What exact file does it say is corrupt or missing?

What type of XP CD do you have?

If a full version this may help:

How to recover from a corrupted registry that prevents Windows XP from starting

Or you could run a Repair Install that will leave your data intact:

How to perform an in-place upgrade (reinstallation) of Windows XP

In a worst case scenario you can slave the drive in another computer to extract the data.

Win32 something file...Could you advise me on how to slave the drive?

Okay, i think i'm in the worst case scenario...how do you slave a drive to another computer?

Remove it from the present computer.

Reset the jumpers from Master to slave. (these settings should be listed on the rear of the hard drive).

Install in another computer on the slave (middle) connection of the Primary channel.

You could also just move it as is (Master) to the secondary Master of another computer (usually the DVD/CD drive).

Here is a flash guide from Maxtor:

http://maxtor.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/m...ted=1026924226

If your drive is not a Maxtor the jumpers may be different but the basics are the same plus the jumper settings should be on the hard drive label.