Help on Reformatting Computer (read details before answering please)?

Question

I currently use windows XP and wish to wipe everything and start again using windows XP pro. I'm reformatting because my computer is quite buggered with me not being able to download anything or install anything with somesort of error. I also have a virus and windows XP pro would be a nice update.

When putting in the windows XP pro CD it tells me that my current version of windows is newer than the CD and it wont install. I've deleted the update thing (i think its called SG2?) in my control panel -> add/remove programs but that didn't work.

I tried right clicking my C drive and hitting format but there are always programs running, even when I tried it in safe mode. Shutting them down does nothing.

I've tried setting my computer (in BIOS) to start up from the disk but it doesn't work.

I'm SOL and don't know what to do next. Help is appreciated.

Answer 1

Deleting a Sevice Pack 2 is not a good idea but since you are formating then it doesn't matter but it a waste of time.

Windows XP CD will offer formating option automatically but the catch is that you have to leave the CD in the CDrom and restart the computer. If the message that say, Press Any Key to Boot from the CD. Press a key. It will load then take you the option. There you will get to format your harddrive via Partition.

If you didn't see the message "Press any key..." and the CD is still in the machine after you restart. Restart again and Press F2 to load the BIOS. Look for Boot Priority and try to make CDrom the first device. Save and restart the computer. I know it hard but you need to figure that part out from the instruction that I give you.

Answer 2

You won't lick this issue without destroying the XP boot up files on your hard drive.

Here's the best way I know of.

NOTE: THIS PROCEDURE WILL WIPE OUT YOUR HARD DRIVE AND ALL PROGRAMS/FILES/DATA/Etc. FROM IT !!!!!!!

Go to http://www.download.com and search for a program called Killdisk. Download it and install it on a floppy or a CD. It is a bootable copy.

Insert the floppy or Cd into the appropriate drive and reboot the pc. The Killdisk program will launch. All you have to do is follow the onscreen prompts to wipe your hard drive.

You can do either of the following.
Let Killdisk run for about 1/2 hour and it will partially destroy your boot up files enough so XP won't run.
Or you can let it fully wipe your hard drive which will take seveal hours depending on how big your hard drive is.

Once you are done with either of the two options above, simply insert the XP Pro Cd into the drive and reboot the PC.

XP will run some set up files and then will ask about the partitioning. I would delete ALL partitions on the hard drive.

The install procedure will continue and XP will repartition the hard drive as a single partition or as you define the partitions.

Once you do that the install will continue and all you have to do is follow the onscreen instructions/prompts.

Hope this helps.

Answer 3

IF you have your original CD and it's NOT an upgrade CD but an original operating system.... when you boot to safe mode - instead of safe mode, there should be a boot to DOS prompt. That should take you to a black screen with a C\: prompt. At that place, you type in "reformat C:".... it should erase everything on C drive - which should take off any memory of previous windows. Then you'd boot with your original disc and you'd have to download the SP-2 again.

Answer 4

make sure your boot order in bios is set to cdrom first device then f10 and enter. once it starts booting it will tell you the press any key to boot to cd... at that point hit any key and it will go to install screen. if it doesnt ask about booting to cd reboot the computer. if it still won't then go into the bios and find reset config data option and change it to yes the f10 and enter, that will have the computer redetect the hardware, keep tryin after that.