Tried to upgrade Mobo+CPU under XP, didn't work - how to best salvage data/settings?

[hornlessunicorn]

So I can't successfully use Repair (BSOD), and I can't get into Safe-Mode because Repair has put the XP boot into "Setup-mode" - which won't allow for safe-mode. So I'm stuck. No complete-preservation-of-my-previous-system for me. Damn.

Okay, fine. I've had worse!, bring it on, Microsoft.
But what is the most I can salvage from my old system, and how do I do it? The best I can do at this point is plugging my old HD into another computer and copying files off. But just as much as I want to preserve my files, I want to keep my programs functioning and want to keep my AIM auto-login password (I forgot it a long time ago, don't have the old email anymore).
I assume this means I want to import a huge chunk of my old registry? But how do I get at the registry if I can't boot into that install of Windows, not even in Safe-Mode?

I know I have to do a clean install now - I'm resigned to that. But what I absolutely need to know is the way to preserve as much as possible of my old system. I have so, so many programs that I'll just never be able to get up and running together as I had them - the time I've put into them is so substantial. And I really, really don't want to lose my AIM login - or, at the very least, my buddy-list.

Any ideas? Thanks.

[pickel]

Can't you re-install and save your previous settings??? Just over write the OS on the same partition ??? Try that first before you wipe ther drive clean.

[hornlessunicorn]

I think what you're talking about is called 'Repairing'. I already tried that.

[JPMiller]

What happens during the repair?
could the disk simply be dirty?
I'm assuming you've done some troubleshooting before posting, but there MAY be an alternative, because what your hoping to do is complicated and unlikely to work well, if at all

[DanU]

In my experience windows always goes haywire when you upgrade the motherboard and CPU from underneath it. I know it's painful, but a full reinstall may be the only way.

The User State Migration Tool in windows XP may help ease the pain, but it's still going to require you to reinstall all your programs.

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/pro.../usermigr.mspx