i tried to upgrade from win2k to winxp on a machine i have. the install
got to the preparing installation sep, but when it rebooted would not
get past the winxp logo screen without rebooting in an endless cycle.

i then installed a clean copy of xp on the same partition as the failed
(without reformatting or repartitioning). i now have the choice of 2 xp
installs at boot time, 1 good and clean and the other that failed and
cannot be repaired. the problem is this:

i can now see on my drive all of the old programs i had installed in
win2k (all my old files and everything on the c drive), but they are
not associated with the good install, only the failed. i also have for
example my old c: \documents and settings\administrator folder with my
old stuff, but also a new c: \documents and
settings\administrator.charles folder that represents the new install.

is there any way to migrate the stuff i can see on the drive that is
associated with the failed upgrade install with the new install, i.e.
can i get back to where i was without reinstalling everything,
associating a new outlook install with an old data file somehow, etc. i
have a feeling i can't but would be very grateful if someone could tell
me how i could. this was all very stupid of me but here i am and want
an easy way to get back to where i was without alot of pain.

thanks alot/