I had a windows xp pro 64 & ubuntu 10.4 dual boot in which I had to reload windows.
 

Now that I have windows back up and running I do not have a dual boot.
When I reloaded windows the ubuntu partition showed up but I am unable to
get to ubuntu and I have some files there I would like to retain.

Hello,
You must restore GRUB, take look at this:
http://ubuntuguide.net/how-to-restor...ws-xpvistawin7
Step 2 is for you.

Regards

JEBUP2JE,
Here is another tutorial that may help and provide a bit more info:
https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Gr...ing%20GRUB%202
Just use the first method listed there, which is essentially the same method as the link that Szamot83 posted.
You would need to do this for any linux distro after you reinstall Windows, since Windows will overwrite the Master Boot Record (MBR).
Write back if you need more help.

And welcome to the LQ forums!