Hi Jared,
If you're having this much trouble with Windows, Linux will not be your
friend either. Yes, the file access problems are related to user rights (or
permissions). This should resolve it for you:
HOW TO: Take Ownership of a File or Folder in Windows XP [Q308421]
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=308421
As to a repair installation, it resets the system to a "like new"
installation, but preserves SID's, files, and programs settings. Follow
these steps to do a repair install:
1. Insert the Windows XP CD into your computer's CD-ROM drive or DVD-ROM
drive.
2. Restart your computer. If you have to, change the BIOS settings to start
from
the CD-ROM drive or DVD-ROM drive, and then restart your computer again.
3. At the "Welcome to Setup" page, press ENTER.
4. Press F8 to accept the Licensing Agreement.
5. Use the arrow keys to select the installation of Windows XP that you want
to
repair, and then press R to start the automatic repair process.
6. When Setup is completed, activate Windows XP.
Note that you will need your Product Key for this procedure, so have it
handy before you begin. once completed, you will need to redo all the
critical updates from Windows Update.
--
Best of Luck,
Rick Rogers aka "Nutcase" MS-MVP - Win9x
Windows isn't rocket science! That's my other hobby!
Associate Expert - WinXP - Expert Zone
jared said:
I upgraded my MOBO and windows wont start...yea for windows...so I'm
thinkin if I can just get windows to do what it does durring an install
(finds the hardware and finds drivers). Any way I can do this? Also, what
does repair a windows installation do. does it find new hardware? or does it
just replace normal windows files. Also right now I installed a second winxp
and cant access certail files on slave hard drives...It's obviously because
of user rights and stuff...but I need that stuff. bah...maybe ill just use
linux.
