You can keep the files but you have to reinstall Windows.
Old machine has XP.
The plan will probably be:
1. Buy a new machine probably with Vista Home.
2. Take old HD (drive) out of old eMachines put in an enclosure that has a USB plug about $25??? (is this how to do it?)
3. Plug in USB into new machine to access old programs and files on the old hard drive????
Does this make sense? Can I run the old programs?