Hello,

After years of seeing the empty "tick Box" on disabling start up items, I decided to "tick" it and my whole WinXP software disappeared!

The computer would not boot back to Windows so I had to re-install windows from the CD.

I found the old Windows folder on the drive, and though many of my old FILES were in there, it said they were empty.

I re-installed Windows into the old Windows folder thinking it would be "damage limitation".

The new location of Windows (C:Windows/Windows!) causes a lot of problems; Example, the printer will not work, and many updates will not install.

Is there a way I can get uninstall the new WinXP and back the Old WinXP?

Thanks

basix10I really, REALLY don't understand what you did. Are you saying you've now reinstalled Windows twice - once to a new folder and once to the original Windows folder? If so, what options do you have at boot?

ALSO, WHAT box did you check where (disable startup items)? And why, for heavens sake, did you then decide to reinstall Windows rather than stop RIGHT there and come here to tell us about your situation. You certainly did not need to do a reinstall of the OS.Hello,

Thanks for your reply.

I did this a few months ago. My daughter moved into a new house and I was connecting her computer up which was overloaded with redundant software and had not been used for about two years. I did a search and was told that removing items from the start up menu from (msconfig) would speed the computer up) It was there I saw the empty box (had no software assigned to it!) which I had noticed since Win98, so I checked it. If I remember correctly, the computer went dead at that POINT, and would not reboot.

I installed WinXP into the old Windows (XP) folder.

It is now time to sort this mess out if possible, preferably by getting the old system back, or having to do a total new install onto C:

Thanks again for replying1) All you had to do was boot to safe mode and rerun msconfig and uncheck the box. For future reference, msconfig should be used exclusively as a diagnostic tool, not to manage startup items.

2) Okay, so you have only one Windows installation and it is the original folder, is that what you are now saying? If not, please clarify.

3) Did you format before reinstalling?

4) Does the system boot directly to Windows or does it offer options at boot?1: Thank you advice noted.

2: Yes!

3: Yes gave no other option as all other avenues were non negotiable according to the installation CD)

4: Boots directly to the "new" WinXP which is in the "old" WinXP folder...

ThanksIf you formatted before installing there is nothing to get back. FORMATTING erases the hard drive by definition. If there was valuable data you must get back there are utilities you can try to retrieve the data and companies that specialize in retrieving formatted data (both can be expensive). If you want to go either of those routes, DO NOT WRITE ANYTHING ELSE TO THE DRIVE.

Start here and good luck: http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&rlz=1T4GGLL_enUS304US305&q=Recover+data+from+formatted+drive&aq=f&aqi=g7g-m2&aql=&oq=&gs_rfai=

Thanks for your help, it really is sincerely appreciated.


basix10You're welcome. Sorry I couldn't be of more help.