XP Reinstall... will I lose my files?

[BlahBlah]

My XP is on the blink and I need to reinstall. Will I lose the files I had? Someone please tell me I won't.

 

[WhaWhaWha]

Often the corruption in your OS is caused by other programs that shouldnt be there like virus programs or spyware and hijackware. You need to clean off your hard drive before re installing your OS or you are wasting your time. And yes you will lose your files. But dont worry. There is plenty of porn to download.

 

[BlahBlah]

So which is it? Do I just lose Windows files, or do I lose my data files, neither or both?
I have important work on it and cannot lose it.

 

[WhOiSyOdAdDy?]

I keep one drive (8GB) for XP.. another drive for other programs, and my files, documents and stuff are on a different drive.

If I reinstall XP, I format the drive, and will not lose anything exept XP, howver,the other programs still need to be reisntalled.

 

[toolman69]

OMG whoisyourdaddy...
Duh then why have 2 hard drives..... the best thing to do is go to Microsoft website, download XP sp2 update, make a new XP install disk with XP sp 2 on it, when prompted, click "upgrade" you will only "refresh" your XP and wont lose a thing file or program wise!

 

[papasmerf]

not if you have them in a file cabinet. Otherwise you will find that format: C is not your friend.