hi, i have a hard drive that is only used for file storage. Now since my other HD died (the one with windows installed) i need to install windows on my storage HD. If I installed windows xp on that file storage HD, will all my files in it be deleted?

thanks in advance

Hi and welcome to D-A-L

is the hard drive you want to use partioned.

if you do a clean install you will more than likely delete the files when you format the drive.

yes the drive is partitioned. Is there anyway to install windows without any of my files getting deleted ?

how big are the partions, you may be able to format one of the partions and install windows on that.

what version of XP is it (OEM or a specific one for the machine)

My hard drive had 10 GB of free space out of 120 Gb and the windows cd i have is Windows XP Home Edition and it is OEM software

if the spare 10Gb is on the same partion as the data you may have problems, have you another PC to remove the data to?

even better would get another hard drive and install XP on it and use the other drive as a slave

okk ill take ur advice on that thanks for the help =D

let us know how you get on

we're all here to help when we can