How do you move files from a corrupt Windows XP to a New Windows XP

Moved from "How to"

My Windows XP will not boot all of a sudden, I tried to change the settings but nothing works. It is like Windows never closed properly and now it will not allow me to even start up in safe mode. I installed a new virtual pc windows xp and would like to move my files over but have not idea how to do that? Can anyone help? I also tried to reinstall windows over the original one and if I continue it tells me it will reformat the drive in the partition. I guess I am not sure what I am doing here. Please help...of course I did not back up my files.

 

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Try doing a repair installation. When you boot with the cd, the first prompt gives one option about doing repair, but it's not this one that you want, instead choose the install option. Agree to their stupid licence agreement, then at the next prompt you should get a repair option again, and it's this one that you want to choose.
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Thanks I am trying it now. I did before and it brought me to a page where it talked about reformatting partition. I was afraid to go ahead and all my files.

 

It has a partition 1 with 7985 mb (free space) or unpartitioned space of 8 mb I dont know which one to select

 

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Select the 7985 and on the next screen, select to leave the file system intact.
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Select the 7985 and on the next screen, select to leave the file system intact.
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You can always connect your old windows hard drive as a second hard drive to the other windows installation - you will be able to copy all files and perform needed actions with the disk.

 

You can always connect your old windows hard drive as a second hard drive to the other windows installation - you will be able to copy all files and perform needed actions with the disk.


and how would you do that if the vm wont boot!!

I also have a vm that started lasat night and this morning will not boot saying "missing or corrupt" blah blah blah

 

You can always connect your old windows hard drive as a second hard drive to the other windows installation - you will be able to copy all files and perform needed actions with the disk.

As long as the target VM will boot, you attach the old VM using "connect image".