how do I reformat my computer? I have windows XP?

Answer 1

Backup all your personal data.

Determine whether the Windows CD and the product key are available. If not, you cannot reinstall Windows.

Are device drivers available for all the hardware components? Many of the drivers are integrated in Windows. However, devices such as printers, monitors, graphic cards, sound cards, modems, zip drives, and scanners usually have separate installation CDs. If you do not have all the drivers, you can download the missing drivers from the Internet and then write them to a CD.

Do you have all the necessary CDs and product keys for the programs (applications) that are currently installed on the computer? You will need to reinstall all the software again. Collect and store the CDs and product keys in an appropriate location.

Make note of your network settings. Which may include a user name and password to connect to the Internet. You can probably get these settings from your Intenet Service Provider (ISP).

You might need to changed the start up sequence (boot order) for the PC. For this you will need to enter the system BIOS. Many times the BIOS can be accessed by tapping the F2 key on your keyboard as you start the computer. Some systems use a different key to access the BIOS. Click here to search for the access keys by manufacturer. The boot order should be in this sequence - CD ROM, hard disk.

Insert the Windows CD into the CD drive, and restart your computer.

Press any key to start from the CD.

The Setup Wizard starts automatically, and a welcome screen appears. Press ENTER to start the installation.

Press F8 to accept the terms of the License Agreement.

Press ESC to start a new Windows XP installation.

You can now reconfigure the hard disk. All existing partitions are listed, and several options are available to you. The options include the following:

Option 1: Delete existing partitions

Use the arrow keys to select the first partition you want to delete, and then press D.

Press ENTER to confirm that you want to delete this partition, and then press L.

Repeat these steps for all other partitions you want to delete.

Now you can create new partitions.

Option 2: Create at least one new partition

Use the arrow keys to select an unpartitioned area on the hard disk, and then press C.

Specify a size for the new partition, and then press ENTER.

Note If you want to create additional partitions, repeat these steps. Windows then automatically creates an extended partition with logical drives. For Windows installation, you only need one partition at first. You can conveniently create additional partitions as soon as the Windows installation is finished.


Select the partition in which you want to install Windows, and then press ENTER.

Note The Setup Wizard notes that the new partition is not yet formatted and suggests the FAT32 or the NTFS file systems. The best option is usually Format the partition using the NTFS file system.


Use the arrow keys to select a file system option, and then press ENTER.

Select the formatting type to start formatting the partition.

Option 3: Reformat an existing partition for the Windows installation

Use the arrow keys to select the partition in which you want to install Windows, and then press ENTER.

Note The Setup Wizard suggests formatting the partition with the FAT32 file system or the NTFS file system. The best option is usually Format the partition using the NTFS file system.


Use the arrow keys to select a file system option.

Press F to start formatting.

As soon as you have completed the partitioning and formatting steps, the installation process starts to copy files to the hard disk. This may take several minutes.


After you restart the computer, the Windows-based part of the installation starts. You will have to specify several entries to customize the Windows installation.

Specify the Regional and Language Options. The default setting is usually English (United States). Make a selection, and then click Next.

Enter your name and your organization, if applicable, and then click Next.

Enter the product key, and then click Next.

Enter your Computer Name, and then, click Next.

Confirm the Date and Time Settings, and then click Next.

If your computer has a network card, the Windows network will be installed. Click Default Settings, and then click Next.

Note You can also reconfigure the network settings as soon as the installation is finished.

The next time that you restart your computer, the Windows XP Welcome screen appears. Click Next.

When you are prompted to activate the product, click Skip. At this point, there is no Internet connection. However, you can activate the product later. To do this, select No, remind me every few days, and then click Next.

Enter your user name for your User Account, click Next, and then Finish.

Note If you are using an Installation CD with integrated Service Pack 2 (SP2), the installation procedure may differ slightly.

You can find this article here - http://www.vermontpcsolutions.com/how_to_reinstall_windows_xp_home_edition.html - it has all the necessary links and explains the process quite well

Answer 2

Put your windows xp cd in and reboot, when the installation process starts it will ask you where/how you want to install, select the current drive and format, then reinstall windows on the clean drive.

Just so you know, all your current data will be lost so do a back up first.

Answer 3

To format your harddrive you will need to get a recovery disc or a Windows CD.
No boot disc is necessary unless you are trying to install Windows 95.
The recovery disc will usually come with your computer, if you dont have one, you will need to call your computer manufacturing company and order one.
The recovery disc and the windows CD will partition your harddrive and it will wipe out your memory and start from fresh.

Answer 4

Just pop in the XP cd and do a clean install. When you get the option to format your drive, choose it.

Answer 5

Is it a non-popular CD-force? Is the CDROM area of the gadget internally or linked by another ability. verify your Bios Setup if there are something particular about Boot Order Set the Boot Order to CD and then hard force. Unplug any better gadget it is linked to the gadget like webcams, any USB thingys except Mouse. it ought to artwork pretty uncomplicated. If no longer replace us the status.

Answer 6

Recovery disc is the easiest ...but there is another way but very time comsuming and lengthy....for a for sure way to wipe everything off hard drive