poxx

Hi guys i need some help on reinstalling my computer. I was trying to fix my computer because it was missing samlib.dll so I dont know how to fix it and decide to use my system restore cd with windows xp on a stock hp computer with windows media center edition. Now when i start the computer it starts to a point when it says"invalid partortion driver" I m really lost plz give so advice on how to fix or reinstall the windows thx.

PC Hobbyist

If you reinstall windows, you would lose all the files you have on that partition. So, I would first try to back up those files or create a new blank partition to reinstall windows on.

How familiar are you with creating partitions and possibly opening up your computer?

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GameMaster

Reinstall doesn't necessery mean loss of data. If he/she only chooses Repair option it will only add the missing files.
But if this require reformatting, nothing can save his data anyway.
So my point is, just repair your windows!

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dznutz:

PC Hobbyist

Yeah, I know. What I mean is that if you REINSTALL windows it WILL erase your data. If you REPAIR then it won't wipe out your data. And if you RESTORE (for example from the CD that came with a computer) - well, it depends what you do and what choices you make - it might or might not erase your data.

If you have to reformat and you have no way of saving your data on your PC - then you have a couple of choices to actually rescue your data:

1. take the harddrive out and put it in another computer. Then start that computer and go to your harddrive partition and access your data that way. You can either save it on DVD or create a partition that you will use only to store your files (and not to run an OS from). Now you can put the harddrive back in your pc and reformat/install windows on it.

Or the other option:

2. Buy a new harddrive. Install windows on THAT new harddrive, then boot the PC and access your old files residing on the old harddrive. Granted this option costs you money, but it is the safer way to go (unless in option 1 you saved everything on a CD or DVD - then that would also be pretty safe). And depending on how critical it is to rescue your files, many people would gladly fork out the money.

All this is assuming that there are no problems with the harddrive itself.

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GameMaster

I strongly agree.

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dznutz: