Repair Install

Repair Install

If XP is corrupted to the point where none of the previous solutions get it to boot,
you can do a Repair Install that might work as well as keep the current settings. 
Make sure you have your valid WindowsXP key.
The whole process takes about half an hour depending on your computer
If you are being prompted for the administrator's password, you need to choose the 2nd repair option, not the first.

Insert and boot from your WindowsXP CD

At the second R=Repair option, press the R key

This will start the repair

Press F8 for I Agree at the Licensing Agreement

Press R when the directory where WindowsXP is installed is shown. Typically this is C:\WINDOWS

It will then check the C: drive and start copying files

It will automatically reboot when needed. Keep the CD in the drive.

You will then see the graphic part of the repair that is like during a normal install of XP (Collecting Information, Dynamic Update, Preparing Installation, Installing Windows, Finalizing Installation)

When prompted, click on the Next button

When prompted, enter your XP key

Normally you will want to keep the same Workgroup or Domain name

The computer will reboot

Then you will have the same screens as a normal XP Install

Activate if you want (usually a good idea)

Register if you want (but not necessary)

Finish

At this point you should be able to log in with any existing accounts.