Can't reinstall XP or reformat C: drive

[redknight]

When I try to reinstall XP, it tells me that the version on the computer is
newer than the disk (naturally). There is no option to overwrite it. It
simply aborts.

When I try to reformat the C: drive, it won't let me, as Windows is on the
C: drive. That is of course why I want to clean it off, and start over.
Any ideas?

 

[DL]

Its because of the different sp levels
If you boot up from your winxp cd you should be given the option to delete
all partions, if you do this all on that drive will be lost
http://michaelstevenstech.com/cleanxpinstall.html

 

[Shenan Stanley]

When I try to reinstall XP, it tells me that the version on the
computer is newer than the disk (naturally). There is no option to
overwrite it. It simply aborts.

When I try to reformat the C: drive, it won't let me, as Windows is
on the C: drive. That is of course why I want to clean it off, and
start over. Any ideas?

Stop trying to do it from inside Windows XP itself and boot from the CD
instead. ;-)