windows 7 reinstall without losing data

thx i'm trying the diagnostics now,  but how do install from cd without losing data? it's only giving me the option to install?

thank you

You can try it, but before you do you should run a full verification of the  hard drive (F12 at powerup;  boot to the Dell diagnsotics and run an extended test). 

is this after windows is loading files?

neosmart.net/.../

When you boot the disc, choose to do a repair install.  This will preserve your data (but NOT your installed programs -- those will need to be installed anew once you've reloaded Windows).

If you need to recover your system files, remove the hard drive from the system, mount it into a 2.5" USB external drive enclosure, and attach to a working system.  Back up what you need.

If the drive passed the extended diagnostics, proceed with a complete reinstall of Windows.  If it didn't - or it passed and it's near the end of its expected lifespan (5 years), you will want a new hard drive.

If you need assistance with the hardware, we'll need to know what exact system model you have (i.e., Inspiron 5521, N5110, etc.).

hi, yes i may have to choose the usb option. however my friend has just advised me about retrieving the files by running a linux system of an external drive then copying them over, unless someone knows how i can transfer the files using the command prompt which i have access to?

thank you

it does not give me the option to repair disk from cd??

my mistake, it is there but it does not fix the laptop??

www.wikihow.com/Copy-Files-in-Command-Prompt