My XP crashed after using only 2 months:

got the following error message:

unmountable_boot_volume (blue screen)


When I try to re-install XP it wants me to format the harddisk. but its nearly full and I don't want to loose all my files. So is it possible to install XP without formatting ?

Thanks for any help!

I think you get an option to "Leave the current file system intacked" on one of the installation screens.

Also I'm not sure with XP (can't remember even though I am using it) but with Win 2k you could boot from the CD Rom and then choose to repair using the recovery console. From there you could type the command
"fix mbr" without quotes and it would just repair the Master Boot Record.

I think there has been other posts with the same problem as you lately, so you could have a look for them.

HTH

EDIT; Here is the link http://www.cdrom-guide.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=119697&highlight=unmountable+boot+volume

And one more posted by Hoss in another topic http://www.webtree.ca/windowsxp/repair_xp.htm

I'll try @ home, hope I'll work. Thanks so far...

when you boot XP from cdrom you get the option to repair or boot from scratch, just choose repair and all should be fine






i take no responsability for my actions

Well, put the cd in and boot from it, and instead of repairing, you should get the option to re-install without having to reformat. And, Windows XP doesn't crash by the way :laugh:

you can run a new install and use non-destructive install and it will save all of your files. i had the same exact error and reinstalling is the only way i could fix it.

thx guys, but I couldn't rescue my data. I tried everything: repair, re-install, partitioning... and while re-installing, the system crashed..

but it seems to be a mechanical problem - the harddisk's making some noise like................................

EDITED

Would you please refrain from makiing comments like that here!

This forum is visited by people of all ages and sexes, the last thing they want to see is a comment like this!





Thanks for all your help.