I have a second pc which was turned off without shutting down correctly due to power failure. When it restarts i get the usual message before windows loads, i.e. asking me if i want to start windows in safe mode, with networking etc etc, but won't go any further, it may start listing files but never actually gets to load windows.... All i have is the restore disk and no back-up - but i don't won't to wipe the hard drive.. I do have a separate copy of XP can i use this without wiping the hard drive?

Most restore disks have a destructive as well as non-destructive option which relates to Microsoft's clean or repair install.

What is the make and model of the computer? The manufacturer and or your manual should have exact instructions.

Mixing Microsoft and OEM XP's is not a good idea and you'd probably lose all your data anyway.

In a worse case scenario you can slave that hard drive and extract the data. Programs would need to be reinstalled. But again most Restore options offer a non-destructive (repair) version.