refornatting hard drive and installing windows wp pro

[deb]

I bought a used computer that was used with a network. It
won't let me in with all the passwords the company gave
me, and I think the computer also thinks it is still
networked. Are there any special things I should know
about before I try reformatting the hard drive and
installing windows xp professional to get this thing
working?

 

[Chris Lanier]

not really. i'm guessing since it is a used computer you personaly dont
have any data on the hard drive you need. (and even if you do i gues you
cant get it). just follow the below instructions for reinstalling Windows
XP.

The Windows XP CD is bootable and contains all the tools necessary to
partition and format your drive. Follow this procedure and allow Windows XP
to partition and format your drive:

1. Open your BIOS and set your CD Drive as the first bootable device.
2. Insert your Windows XP CD in the CD Drive and reboot your omputer.
3. You'll see a message to boot to the CD....follow the instructions.
4. The setup menu will appear and you should elect to delete the existing
Windows partitions, then create a new partition, then format the primary
partition (preferably NTFS) and proceed to install Windows XP.

5. Clean Install Windows XP
http://michaelstevenstech.com/cleanxpinstall.html
[Courtesy of Michael Stevens, MS-MVP]

6. After installing Windows XP, be sure and visit the support website of
the manufacturer of the computer to download and install any available
Windows XP compatible drivers, such as video adapter and audio drivers.

****All Courtesy of Nicholas

 

[Ken Blake]

In

I bought a used computer that was used with a network. It
won't let me in with all the passwords the company gave
me, and I think the computer also thinks it is still
networked. Are there any special things I should know
about before I try reformatting the hard drive and
installing windows xp professional to get this thing
working?

No. Just boot from the CD and follow the prompts.

By the way, almost the only time I think you *should* reformat
and reinstall Windows is when you acquire a used computer. I
wouldn't want to be stuck with someone else's choices,
customizations, or problems.