Unable to access any files after reformat

[Cathy]

I recently formatted my machine and reinstalled and now when I try and access files, i.e. word, excel, zip files, adobe, access, etc etc I get errors that the file is in an unrecognizable format. Word displays little boxes where text should be and the zip files say that there are no files to retrieve. I am using a geniune product and have installed the same windows XP and office XP that I previously used and I have downloaded all the updates. I am assuming that this is an xp problem - any ideas?

[LooseChippings]

The files that you cannot open/recognise ...

Are they new files saved since re-install or files that you backed up before the format/re-install?

If the files were backed up did you use a 'Back Up Application'' or just copy them to another drive?

[Cathy]

They were old files and I just saved them on to a cd. Funny thing is that the files I had ages ago that I transferred onto that machine are fine and all the ones I have saved now since the reinstall are fine.