how to install os without formating the harddrive or partition?

once accidently i installed os without losing data
but now i forgetton that method

but i guarantee that on formating i did not do the windows repair

I have not understood much from what you have mentioned in your post so can you explain the same in a bit detail. from what i have understood you want to install a operating system without formatting the harddrive , right!! correct me if i am wrong?

right
i have written clearly that
how to install the os without formating the hard drive or partition
and also without doing the windows repair "R".

Which operating system you are trying to install, if it is windows 7 then you can install windows without formatting hard disks as the windows 7 setup gives you the option for selecting setup mode: Upgrade/Custom, so here you can just select the custom mode and then chose the hard drive on which you want to install the windows.

i want to install the windows xp sp2

Windows xp 2 seems to have the custom installation thing as well, just go through the below article and see if you are getting any help from there.
Detailed installation walkthrough for Windows XP Service Pack 2

sorry i cant understand microsoft websites pls give simple steps only.
i have attached one file form this thread
in that file what will be the next step & what will be appear when i press "esc" to install fresh copy?
i want to install windows xp sp2 os without formating the hard drive or partition,
also without doing the windows repair.:crybaby:

Quote:

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in that file what will be the next step & what will be appear when i press "esc" to install fresh copy?

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Instead of asking us, what option do you get when you hit the Escape key ?

finally i got the answer .

select "leave the file system intact(no changes)" during NTFS\FAT32 Format options screen in windows xp sp2 os format process.:thumbup1:

you can install windows without formatting hard disks. Just keep away from things like hdd partitioning and format.
Win XP setup doesn't even ask for format directly, you must do it manually.
Win 7 setup is a little different, when asked to select setup mode: Upgrade/Custom, select custom, select your hard drive and install.