XP missing or corrupt system.ini Not being the lover or expert in this O/S what will happen when a Recovery is done using the “R” option on startup using the CD ?. Will this wipe out all the data ?. I’ve tried to copy a missing system.ini but this hasn’t worked, safe mode or anything else will not work etc… Will a fresh install wipe out data also!? I know NT will leave everything in place if you install into a new Folder etc… e.g. WinNTnew ! What does XP do in this situation? Thanx in advance for any help!

Before going to all that trouble, go to Start, Run, and type in sfc /scannow (space before slash), and run it with your XP CD in the drive. It will (or should) replace faulty system files. If you decide on a recovery, someone else will have to answer your question about data.

Boot from the XP Cd and go past the recovery console to the install menu. Select REPAIR THE EXISTING INSTALLATION. It will reinstall. You won't lose any data but you will have to reinstall all the XP updates from the update page. Good luck.

Thanx salgolf But you sort of missed the point as I did say "safe mode or anything else will not work etc" ! Cheers gabep I think I might slave the drive and attempt data recovery before starting the repair! Just to be on the safe side as I don't trust XP, so many of these going down lately! Will let you ppl know how it goes! Thanx again.

Update! In the end I had to slave the drive to be on the safe side! Was able to backup data without having to use a data recovery tool! Tried varius option, Repair as well as new install over the top! but to no avail :( Installed XP in new Directory e.g. \xp2 ! Removed boot option for old O/S install All data available to user but will have to install apps again! XP, is not that clever after all, why the hell doesn't this system keek a set of system files that realy are safe, that way you could always start the dam O/S up ! Cheers again ppl 4 ur help & advice :) Jabba.