Formatting drive is good method to begin fresh. Earlier hard drives can acquire delayed with data, even after deleted much substance on them. Formatting hard drive will remove all data on it, containing files and settings. It is needed to format drive when you want to install new OS on it. Formatting and putting in procedure is not overly hard, but you want to take few safety measures to make sure that you can return PC to complete functionality after Windows XP installed.

Instructions

Step 1

Backup files you want to maintain. Then save them to hard drive, burning them to disc. You should save all drivers for hardware before formatting. Many drivers found on hardware website, which have drivers for many OS.

Step 2

Put in Windows XP Installation disc and reboot PC. PC general booting process must be disrupted, with "Press any key to boot from CD". If this does not take place, open BIOS during start-up process. In BIOS menu, find "Boot Sequence" and set CD-ROM as main boot device. Save and exit BIOS menu and reboot PC, which must permit to boot from CD.

Step 3

Push "Enter" after "Welcome to Setup" window emerges. This must show setup wizard.

Step 4

Follow instructions the setup wizard shows. Generally, agree to license agreement. Finally, you must come to window "format a partition." Choose drive you want to install XP and click "Continue". After formatted, setup utility will direct you through Windows XP installation procedure.