How to perform a Repair Installation of Windows® XP.
Two things are needed here, just a bit of old technology, an ink pen and a piece of paper to write down any special settings that might have to be changed back after the repair-installation is completed.
Please Note: Performing a "Repair Installation" in this manner should not delete any Personal Files, it should 'repair' the core of the installation but to be safe with your data you should follow the next two paragraphs.
You might have to remove the hard drive from this computer and install it in another computer as a slave drive and after it is able to be accessed by Windows on that computer you will have to manually backup all of your important data that you have to another media like CD-R's, DVD or external hard drive. Then when this is done return it to the original computer as a master drive on the primary IDE cable. and do the following:
REGISTRY WARNING :
The details that follow require an above-average understanding of the technical topics involved. If you do not understand the Registry material presented here, either find a technically knowledgeable friend or do not attempt to repair your system Registry yourself. Improper changes in the System Registry can render all data on your hard disk inaccessible. :
Here is a link to a registry backup program that is absolutely fantastic it is called ERUNT and you would use this to backup the registry after running the repair-install procedure successfully.
http://www.larshederer.homepage.t-online.de/erunt/
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Remember to always keep a backup of two things: Your registry, and your data. You will never be sorry. ]
(The Windows® XP CD WILL be required for this procedure.)
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Recovery discs are NOT recommended with this procedure.)
A good set of instructions for doing a Repair-Installation are found on the following page and print out the pages of the site for reference further instructions on Slipstreaming Windows XP Home or Pro with any of the service packs are provided also other additional links that might be needed.
Please read the whole page on this web site to familiarize yourself with the procedure and all of the Warnings
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm
The following links are provided for reference incase they are needed.
How to perform a repair installation of Windows XP if Internet Explorer 7 is installed. ]
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/917964
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How to Perform a Windows XP Repair Install with IE6 Installed. ]
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm
Just be attentive and follow all of the on-screen prompts.
Just let it do its thing...now when you finally are at the Windows Desktop, power down the computer and re-enter the BIOS and change the Boot Configuration Order back to its original configuration.
I hope that this cures your woes.
Post back with the results, and if there are any other queries/concerns.
Cheers