If you need to reinstall WindowsXP without doing clean install and you want to keep all your current installed applications and settings here is the steps:

1. Start WindowsXP.
2. Go to the location of your source files (I386 folder).
3. Run WINNT32 /unattend
   Example: D:\I386\winnt32 /unattend

This option is used by technicians when they like to repair something in Windows XP without clean install.

Related: Slipstreaming Windows XP with Service Pack

Tags | Howto, Installation, Tips and Tricks, Windows, Windows XP