Answers (1)
Have you tried a repair install? This should leave your programs & data in place & replace file by file your OS system.(but always back up everything first as nothing is guaranteed! )
There are many good guides on the net, here are the links too 2.
http://pcsupport.about.com/od/operatingsystems/ss/instxprepair
or
http://michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm
You will need an OEM or retail XP disc of the same type eg Pro or Home, full or upgrade. Saddly restore disc or the recovery partition will not do this. At the end of the process you will have to re register & activate windows using the number of the COA sticker on your PC, (usually requested after the updates), Also this can break Internet Explorer (thus preventing activation! ) just reinstall EI.
Hope this is of help & don't forget to back up data regularly!