I upgraded  my XP Home to XP Pro using the upgrade option, which I then proceeded with the MS upgrades - all looked quite sucessful until I tried to use my internet explorer. It was coming up on a home page OK but when I tried to go to another address it forced an open new window trying to duplicate the original window and also tryingto access the address I was trying to access.  End result = not responding requiring shutdown.  After several hours on the phone with microsoft not being able to resolve the issue through roll backs and other methods, I then did a re=install of xp pro but chose the fresh INSTALLATION and consequently have lost all my existing data, program files, mail etc etc from my current user, as it has created a new system.  I have many programs that I have paid for over the internet from downloaded programs in particular nero 8 with all the add in licences, and now cannot access any of it or reinstall my exisiting backed up programs.  Can anyone please advise how I can transfer all the exisiting previously installed programs, and emails from outlook express, as they still exist on a user tree on my harddrive- but WONT operate under the new installation of xp pro - I would be most appreciative of anyones help here as microsoft doesnt seem to have a clue.
kindest regardsJust a note for the future:
If you can get a copy of the SOFTWARE you purchase on a CD, this is always a good option, or at least backing up the installer files to an external drive (whether that be an external HDD, or Flash drive) with the serial/key numbers along with them.


Second:
What manufacturer is your computer? HP and Compaq have issues with SP3.

If you can install XP Pro without installing SP3, then go ahead and so. Once you get that done, we can assist you in SPECIAL installation procedures of SP3 for Compaq/HP if thats the type of computer you own. Once a re-install is initiated unfortunately it wipes any existing data from the drive...
A data RECOVERY co. is your best bet but they are expensive...
Are you saying you have no original CD's for your expensive programs ? ?