Windows XP continuous reboot

While trying to restore win xp to an earlier date (on a dell pc) The restore process froze. Tried to reboot and restart the operation but system just continuously reboots after loading the drivers. Can't boot into safe mode or chose any other option from the F8 menu with any success. I can get to the cd drive but don't know how to do a repair install without losing any data that exists on the hard drive or if this is even possible.....or if it will even work. Can't get to a command prompt.

Any help would be most appreciated. Frustration is taking over !

 

How to perform an in-place upgrade (reinstallation) of Windows XP

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;315341

 

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