I’m computer illiterate. re-installing windows xp after getting message: system file not found.?

Im at a screen that says: the following list shows the existing partitions and unpartitioned space on this computer. It list the 3 choices i might select.1) to set up windows XP on the selected item, press enter 2) to create a partition in the unpartitioned space press c. 3) to delete the selected partition press d. I’ve important documents and pictures and don’t want to over write them. What must i do?Please help

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Answer:
If there’s only 1 partiton showing, select choice 1.

On the next screen it should ask if you want to format or “leave the file system intact” or some such wording, make sure you select to leave the file system intact and NOT format, or you’ll loose all your documents.

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Answer:
A superior suggestion than trying to recover the OS on the current pertition is to back up what you don't want lost forever, and wipe the drive, and install the OS from scratch. It might be overkill. but then again, it may not be. Depending on which sys files are corrputed, you may not be able to fix the current OS. If a virus is involved, the repaired copy would likely become infected. Superior safe than sorry. Additionally, when sys files start disappearing or becoming corrupt, it's usually the beginning of a snowball effect.

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