I need help reformatting my computer

[Guest]

I got a virus a while back and tried reformatting my computer. However, it
created a 2nd partition and I didn't want that. I just want 1 XP pro
partition on my computer. Everytime I put the XP pro cd disk in, it only
gives me the option to install a XP new. It won't let me boot up from cd
either. It says checking system configuration, and then about 45 mins later
it says "INF file txtsetup.sif is corrupt or missing status 2. Anyways now I
have 2 partitions and a setup that was about to add a 3rd partition. How do
I delete these partitions and start over with only 1?

 

[Guest]

If your intention is to reformat the hard drive then there is only one
solution and that is to install XP 'new' as you have written.

It isn't possible to format and keep any data.

You have created an uneccessary number of partitions and won't be able to
change this now, without deleting everything on the hard drive.

Get some help: move all your documents and personal data off that hard drive
and onto a CD or a friends hard drive [temporarily].

Use FDISK or a 3rd party product. Delete all the extraneous partitioning
and establish on single partition. Reformat the hard disk to remove all data
and the viruses [unless you can use another computer and put your hard drive
into it and run a virus scan to remove any nasties which will avoid the next
step].

Then perform a clean install of Windows and subsequently install all the
application software and copy back your documents and personal data.

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

Follow this link to delete the partitions, create a new partition with
a Clean Installation:
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/cleanxp.htm

 

[Guest]

I tried doing this, but I still no success. I put the XP pro disc in the cd
rom and rebooted. It asked me to hit any key to load from disk, so I did.
Then I black MS DOS screen came up and said Setup is inspecting your
computers hardware configuration.... Then the screen went black with a
flashing underscore (cursor) in the top left corner. It stayed that way for
an hour. I got tired of waiting so I went to bed, woke up in the morning it
was a light gray screen. Went to work came home and still a light gray
screen. Setup never actually loaded. Any suggestions?

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

Check and clean the CD and drive.
Try others if possible.