Every time I try to start my Comp. I get the dam blue screen. I reinstalled XP in a new folder so I wouldn't wipe out my Documents on the orig. program and still he able to log on.
My problem is, I can't even start the original windows to diagnose or fix the problem. Is there a way to access my pictures and other saved files from XP-2 or Can I install New harddrive, Make this one a slave and access the files that way. I have many pix and files that are only on my comp.(I know) and I don't want to loos them... Any help will be greatly appreciated..

You need to find out why you are getting a blue screen, could be hardware related.

Even after you did a parallel install you can't log in?

If you have another PC you could try to make it a slave drive and get the data, hopefully the drive is not bad.

Comp. was working.. I turned it off Tues. night. Wed. eve. I went to start it and BLUE SCREEN. I tried every diagnostic method I could find. No mater how I tried to start it. BLUE SCREEN. I did a "reinstall" but put it in a new folder so it wouldn't rewrite the old program and wipe my files. I can log in but only on the "XP -2". I am on it now using the "new" XP. If I try to log on to the original BLUE SCREEN..

I'd think hardware but as your on the fresh install ,maby not.
Try a 'restore' ? http://support.microsoft.com/kb/306084

Thanks for the link Mike.. I'll check out the options. The problem with the "restore" is, You need to log on to use it and I can't get that program to boot up..

Yes could be Windows but on a restart sounds like hardware. While you are logged into the new install you should be able to get to the files. Unhide all hidden files, go to the old install and go to the Documents and Settings folder. Look for your name or Admin or whatever and go into the profile. Can you see the files you are looking for?

I'd re-seat the memory cards and try to start it in "Safe" mode. If you get it to run in safe then defrag the drive, shutdown and try normal startup.

I'd re-seat the memory cards and try to start it in "Safe" mode. If you get it to run in safe then defrag the drive, shutdown and try normal startup.

Dave. I know enough about comp.'s to get my self in trouble..LOL Please explain "re-seat the memory cards"
Thanks.

He's referring to remove/reseat the memory sticks.
If your going to do that ,might as well reseat all the cards.
As you can get to the new install ,I doubt that's the issue.

You could also try a 'repair' install over the existing Win XP.
Doesn't remove/destroy any of your files ,just repairs the existing WinXP install.
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm

I tried the recovery and no dice... I'll try the memory reseat later. If this doesn't work. I guess I'll just get another hard drive, Then set my old one as a slave...

I'd much rather be working on cars than these damn Comp's....... Unbolt, remove, install, tighten bolts.....SIMPLE!!!!!

Just make a live boot up CD. Try Knoppix or UBCD. Move your files to a USB Hard drive or another Partition on your HD. After getting what you want, re-install Windows or whatever.