xp reload

[PETESHANKS]

I want to re-format my hard drive and reload XP

Can you tell me if I need to have a boot floppy to be able to do that.

I'd be grateful for a walkthrough of the process.

[rojash]

No, assuming you have a fairly recent computer. You need to check the BIOS settings (Probably by hitting Delete during the boot process, but check the screen as it varies from BIOS to BIOS). Make sure that it's set to bott from CDROM as the first option (with some BIOSs you also have to check the "bott from other devices" option).

You can now boot from the XP CD, delete the existing partition(s) and do a clean install. If the CD does not include service packs, make sure you have them available and install before going online to activate. Other wise you will almost ceratinly get a virus within minutes of connecting to the Internet.

[peanut]

I just formatted my hard drive. No you do not need a floppy. I went to windows help, found a phone number to contact them and they walked me through the entire process. FREE. They were very professional and knew exactly what they were doing. I suggest you call them especially if you dont know much about computers. you will need to reinstall all drivers so be sure you have these discs before you start. It takes about an hour or so on the phone so be sure it is a corded phone or your battery is charged so you dont get cut off and left in the middle of your format.

[peanut]

hold on peteshanks, i just emailed the tech who helped me and asked for the # to call. ill let you know when i get the response