Install WinXP over WinXp in order to restore non-workingSystem Restore

[SycamoreSam]

My System Restore does not work. Period. It does not display a calendar to permit going back in time. No suggestions have seemed to work. I tried Google with no luck. And I do not want to touch the Registry.
My question- Can I install Win XP over my WinXp and in effect recover a working version of System Restore? If I can do it, will I be able to reinstall without losing my settings, programs, etc?

 

[bcastner]

Hopefully in answer to question #1.
Yes, in answer to question #2.

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

http://michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm