I'm having an issue with the agp440.sys file which is preventing my display driver from loading ... thus I have no screen. I tried the recovery console, but the user cannot remember the admin password. I fear my only option is to reinstall XP completely. Can anyone offer any options, and if I do reinstall will I lose the data files on the users hard disk?

When your computer first boots up try looking at the bottom of the screen there should be something saying "push (button) to load setup"... in that setup you might be able to change or disable the admin password im not positive if it will work or not but its worth a try... Im not sure what files you will loose if you re-install XP completely. Does it say you will have to format the drive? if so ... then you will loose everything, I would only use that as a last resort though.. anyway hope this helps

I would just reset the admin password.

If u perform a 'Repair' install u won't lose any data or settings. GoodLuck

Just do a repair of xp...you wont loose your programs or drivers but you will loose your windows updates. Make sure bios is set up to boot from cd rom it should tell you what button to hit to get to setup (bios)...usually its the arrow keys, tab key, and enter keys to navigate in bios...the setup screen should tell you how to get around in there. As for the admin password....likely the user never set one...need safe mode to get to admin acct....just click admin...if none was set then should get right in. I think you can reset admin pass from bios too...as above responder said. Also try from main menu you get while booting to safe mode (usually f8) last known good... If system restore fails...and you can get to safe mode ok...try start> run> sfc /scannow (enter)...note space between sfc and / It will ask for your xp cd. That will check all your system files and will replace any that are currupt. To do repair...boot with cd (when its booting you will get prompt to boot with cd...hit any key...do it quick or it will boot to c:) Skip the first option to repair...choose install, f8 to accept the EULA, it will then see previous install and give you another chance to repair....choose repair at that point. It will take about 45 min to complete...If all goes well at that point...dont forget to turn on firewall and get updates...you will need em all including sp1...use driver updates from the hardware manufacturer...microsoft drivers mostly junk. If you are using a quick restore disk that came with puter.....yes you will end up going all the way back to factory condition. But if you got real xp cd; something from above will work and you wont loose other software...try the least destructive first. Good luck