The information in this article applies only to computers with Windows XP preinstalled by a [ /the ] computer manufacturer.

You may lose data that is stored in the All Users folder and default program templates and settings that are stored in the Default User folder after you reinstall, repair, or upgrade Windows XP. You may be missing Start menu shortcuts, items in the Startup group, and documents, pictures, or music files that are stored in the Shared Documents folder.

This problem can occur after you perform any of the following actions on a computer that has Windows XP preinstalled by a computer manufacturer (also known as an Original Equipment Manufacturer, or OEM):

• You reinstall Windows XP in the same folder by clicking Upgrade (Recommended) after you run Winnt32.exe, or by clicking the Install Windows XP link on the “Welcome to Microsoft Windows XP” screen that appears when you insert the Windows XP CD-ROM. This is also known as performing an in-place upgrade or an in-place installation.

• You repair Windows XP by starting your computer from the Windows XP CD-ROM, pressing ENTER to set up Windows XP, and then pressing R to repair the selected installation.
• You upgrade the Windows XP Home Edition installation that was preinstalled by your computer manufacturer to the retail version of Windows XP Professional.

CAUSE
This behavior can occur if the Undo_guimode.txt file is present in the Windows\System32 folder on your hard disk when you perform any of the actions that are listed in the “Symptoms” section on a computer with Windows XP preinstalled by a computer manufacturer. This file is created by the wizard that runs when you first start a computer with Windows XP preinstalled by a computer manufacturer.

[Continue reading Microsoft Knowledge Base article 312369]