How can I transfer one set of os preferred settings to another new os on the same computer (both os are xp pro.)

Try the settings transfer wizard.

Try the settings transfer wizard.
I believe that's for transferring from one computer to a new one - not the same one

You can use it between profiles on the same machine, as long as the OS install is different.

Show hidden folders in your user and copy the contents of everything out Then create a user named the same on the new install and Copy the saved files over. This works best when imaging from a base software image instead of installing from disk.

While that will capture most of the profile information it will miss out many of the settings..

Thanks - have sorted 'desktop / fav's etc' - but on my new install I have no programs showing in the control panel (add/remove showing only xp updates) - however if I reboot using old os they are all there - so how can I get them transferred or are they OK to stay where they are - because I did want to remove the old os.

Installed programs are a different matter entirely.
You'll need to freshly install them under the "new" OS..

I must ask why are you running two copies of the same OS on one machine ?

Installed programs are a different matter entirely.
You'll need to freshly install them under the "new" OS..

I must ask why are you running two copies of the same OS on one machine ?

Long story - tried to install new memory and everything went to pot - comp would not restart so someone suggested restarting with windows disc in - it worked but now I've ended up with 2 os (oops) - which is good as its cleared all stuff I no longer wanted but some of my programmes I still use and no longer have install discs for ie:photocopier/printer photo programmes and the like.

When you booted with the disk did you get the chance to use the "repair" option or did you just go for the install option ?