Data or Program Settings Are Missing After You Install Windows XP (313362)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows XP Professional
  • Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition
This article was previously published under Q313362

SYMPTOMS

After you install Windows XP, items that were stored in your user profile folder may be missing. The missing items may include Start menu shortcuts, items in the Startup folder, items in your Desktop folder, or documents, pictures, or music files in the My Documents folder. Also, when you run the Add or Remove Programs tool in Control Panel, the list of installed programs may be empty.

CAUSE

This behavior can occur if you perform a "clean" installation of Windows XP in an existing Windows folder. For example, this behavior can occur if you boot your computer by using the Windows XP CD-ROM and you choose to install Windows XP in an existing Windows folder or you start an installation from within Microsoft Windows and you click New Installation (Advanced) in the Installation Type drop-down list.

RESOLUTION

To resolve this problem, restore the missing data from a backup, and reinstall any missing programs.

STATUS

This behavior is by design.

MORE INFORMATION

To upgrade an existing Windows installation, you must run Winnt32.exe from the existing Windows installation and click Upgrade. The Winnt.exe program file (which is used if you boot from the Windows XP CD-ROM to run Setup) is intended only for new installations of Windows XP. The existing Windows folder is removed before Windows XP is installed, and you receive the following message during Setup:
CAUTION: A Windows folder already exists that may contain a Windows installation. If you continue, the existing Windows installation will be overwritten. All files, subfolders, user accounts, applications, security and desktop settings for that Windows installation will be deleted. The "My Documents" folder may also be deleted.
  • To use the folder and delete the existing Windows installation in it, press L.
  • To use a different folder, press ESC.
  • To quit Setup, press F3.
If you press L, the existing Windows installation is overwritten. All files, folders, user accounts, programs, and security and desktop settings for that Windows installation are deleted. The My Documents folder may also be deleted.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:8/6/2002
Keywords:kbprb kbsetup KB313362
©2002 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.