How do I format XP and what do I need to back up?

Question

I'm not a complete noob, but I have never formatted a pc, so I will need some help before I do it.. I do have a recovery disk from the manufacturer (packard bell), but when I bought the pc it came with win 98, that means I should use my XP cd instead, doesn't it? (also, I have changed hardware since buying it: added RAM, an extra hard drive and USB 2.0, removed networking card)
Also, what about drivers and other things like that, what do I need to remember to back up apart from my own data? What sort of settings do I have to make sure to write down? (eg router/network settings - because somebody else set up my network and I wouldn't know how to configure it otherwise) I have been told that the first time you format you'll always forget at least one important thing, so I want to make sure that I have everything I need before I do it..

Any tips will be greatly appreciated!

oh, btw I am already running XP, that's partially the reason I need to format - my pc was upgraded from a bugged Win 2000 without formatting, so all the bugs carried over...

Answer 1

Here's a great 'how to'
http://www.lifehacker.com/software/windows/geek-to-live-how-to-format-your-hard-drive-and-install-windows-xp-from-scratch-157578.php

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Answer 2

disconnect any printers scanners or usb devices only have keyboard mouse and monitor in when setting up win xp
wait you dont need to format you can install with out lost of data or drivers installing win xp over win 98

you put da. win xp cd in da. drive . close off .da menu that opens. restart ur pc . da pc will start up of da win xp cd. then u can install win xp from there do ur see on screen 2 options to format do not go on them ur see a 3rd option to

>leave everything as it is<

that is da option you go to . then hit enter. when ask where you want to install windows set da. parth for


c:\ windows

then win xp will install and set up .

you have to reset up ur network if you install win xp ur have to install the network drivers
and any software you put in as well all you do is reinstall ur software like antivirus antispyware games

ur have to get someone in to reinstall ur network for you