If I go to repair Windows XP using the CD that was included when I first bought the computer, will my files off the computer be lost, or will they remain on the computer?
I'm really not too sure about this. There is no way of backing up because the computer continually loops the start-up, asking for Start Windows Normally, Safe Mode etc.
Any help is appreciated.
Thanks.
Repairing Windows XP
Welcome to Metropol 
The answer depends on whether it's a "Recovery" CD or a Windows XP CD. I suspect Sput's answer refers to the latter type - supplied from Microsoft.
Recovery CDs tend to come from computers you buy from e.g. PC World, and they usually don't say Windows XP on them (if it says your computer brand on the disc, it's definitely a Recovery CD). In this case, it varies but it is more likely to return your computer to factory condition - with none of your files on the hard drive.
Assuming you have not suffered a hard drive failure, to back up your files you need to remove the hard drive from your computer, and connect it to another computer as a secondary drive.
The answer depends on whether it's a "Recovery" CD or a Windows XP CD. I suspect Sput's answer refers to the latter type - supplied from Microsoft.
Recovery CDs tend to come from computers you buy from e.g. PC World, and they usually don't say Windows XP on them (if it says your computer brand on the disc, it's definitely a Recovery CD). In this case, it varies but it is more likely to return your computer to factory condition - with none of your files on the hard drive.
Assuming you have not suffered a hard drive failure, to back up your files you need to remove the hard drive from your computer, and connect it to another computer as a secondary drive.