My system was getting a little slow so I tried getting rid of some files, programs and cleaned up some things. Well some of the folders that weren't supposed to be doing anything and could be deleted, evidently were doing a lot.

I am running XP professional and even my back up system is gone. Trash can is empty so I can't retreive anything. My system tools are all gone to restore the system etc.

Can I just reinstall my operating system without losing all my files and documents or what should I do?

I know nothing about computers other than how to mess them up?

Thanks Bill

If you have truly removed tools and system files and the deleted items is empty, you'll need to copy the files and documents you want to keep, either to CD or floppy, and then reinstall the OS to recover those tools and system files.

It's also possible that you have simply removed the link to the restore utility. Did you do a search for it on your HDD yet? If not, search for "rstrui.exe" - this is the restore utility and is usually located in c:\WINNT\System32\restore. Just search the entire system for it though... If you find it, run it by double clicking on it in the search results window (assuming it comes up!)

If not, the WinXP OS is easy to do a reinstall on - just put the CD in and reboot. Keep in mind that this WILL overwrite any existing files on your system...

I can't find that file. So I will most likely need to install the OS. This is going to be a mess for me, as I am not computer literate.

Would I be able to just save my Documents folder on multiple CD's? How does that work? I will need to go find a disc to install AOL again also.

Bill

You should be able to reinstall the OS without losing your stuff. As long as you don't delete partitions or re-format, everything should be fine.

If you boot from your XP cd, you will fisrt be given a choice of repairing a failed installation or running setup. Run setup. you will then be given a choice of installing to a new location or repairing existing installation. Select to repair . All of your old settings and files and desktops and what have ya will not be overwritten. These instructions are from memory, so you may want to try to verify them.

Of course, it's always a good idea to backup your stuff before reinstalling a OS, but thats just a precaution.

So your saying msconfig is gone? that is a way to restore from and it is an exe file? To get your admin tools I think on your cd there is a msi file or adminpack.msi something like that. It will put the icons back. If you don't have msconfig try and down load it or copy it off a friends computer. Try running sfc maybe that will help but I doubt it.

I think Gene's approach is the easiest. Repair the current OS, it will replace any missing files. You may need to reinstall updates, depends on what files are placed. Go to the Windows update site and let it figure it out for you.

Gene,

Thank you, this is what I was hoping I could do.

My son has the OS with him at college, but he is coming home tomorrow night.

I have already copied my documents on to CD's, so I will have them if something does not go right with the OS repair.

Thanks for the help, I will let you know how it goes, but it will be a while as we are going on vacation for XMas.

Thanks Bill

Gene,

Just wanted to say thanks again. I did just as you said and "she" came back to life with all working limbs and parts again.

Bill

I'm glad to have been able to help. Happy New Year!