Need help starting XP over..

[Scott]

I have some how gotten a program that unloads tons of pop-
up ads, favorite links, and other garbage onto my
computer. Many of them I can't find or delete because
they are extensions onto Internet Explorer. Therefore I
have decided my only way to get rid of this crap is to
completely start over, erase my harddrive and start over
as if I had just bought a new computer. I tried to re-
install Windows XP and all that happened was 7 wasted CD-
R's for files I wanted to carry over and a few hours
wasted.. It didn't change a single thing. So PLEASE! if
anyone knows what to do and how to do it let me know!
THANKS!

 

[Norm]

If you have all the data you want to save backed up then just change your
bios to boot from the XP cd and format you hard drive, then install XP.

 

[Scott]

--If you have all the data you want to save backed up
then just change your bios to boot from the XP cd and
format you hard drive, then install XP.--

Ok thanks for the quick reply. Could you tell me
where/how to change my bios?

 

[Rod Potter]

Scott: When you first turn on the computer, there should be a message to hit
F12, F8 or similar key to go to setup. Do this and follow the instructions.

 

[Alex Nichol]

Ok thanks for the quick reply. Could you tell me
where/how to change my bios?

As you power on hit the hotkey to enter BIOS setup (see the manual, or
try DEL; F2; F10 which are common ones). There either a Boot page,
where select the CD drive and use the number pad + key to push it to the
top; or a BIOS settings page and use PageDn to cycle the Boot order
value round to CD first. ESC to exit and exit saving settings to boot
the XP CD direct. Enter Setup, and after the license agreement take New
Install. When it asks you to confirm where, hit ESC; select and delete
the current partition and make a new RAW one to be formatted at the next
stage

The important point is the delete. Without that it will just go ahead
and make a new install over the top of the old one