Wiping the hard drive and re-installing???????

[Guest]

Is it possible to wipe my HD clean and completely re-install? I have heard
of it ,but do not know anyone who has ever done it. If it is possible ,could
someone please tell me how? Do I need to get a new Hd instead? I am a newbie
,but I have tackled so many problems with my p.c. this year that I feel I can
do almost anything at this point short of building one or extracting f-secure
fully . Any help or comments will be welcomed! Thank You !

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

A new hard drive is not required.

If Windows XP came preinstalled on your computer, check your manual and/or
contact the manufacturer for details.
All manufacturers do it a little differently and most of the information you
get here will not apply to you, it will apply to retail Windows XP such as
this link:
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/cleanxp.htm

 

[WTC]

Windows XP Clean Install
http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase/windowsxp_sg_clean.asp

 

[Guest]

Simple,install xp cd,boot to xp cd,recovery,press enter for password,then
type:
DiskPart,in DiskPart,delete the partition(s),then create one,then press Esc
key,
then type:FORMAT C: /FS:ntfs When its thru type:EXIT Let it restart,reboot
to xp cd,then select,install xp.You could go one further,some drive mfgs have
a DOS utility youd boot to,then it zeros out the drive,after youd run as
described
above,its a little over-kill but the drive is 100% raw after the DOS utility.