Reload XP Software

[Don]

All.
My initial question was probably worded badly.
As the third user of this computer what I want to do is,
Erase all programms on the harddrive thus deleting any
filzs/programs no longer needed. System is loaded
with Windows XP. Once I have cleaned the harddrive, I
have the option of reloading system with Windows 2000 Pro
or XP Pro. I will only be running AutoCAD 2004 on system
and don't need all the programs the system was furnished
with or programs later added.
Looking for best suggestions on how to completely clean
current data off harddrive short of using a magnet?
Thanks for your help.

 

[purplehaz]

Boot to the xp cd. Format the drive, install xp. The xp cd does it all.

 

[The Unknown P]

Ya sure the disk does it all. No it doesn't. Even my
system will not allow me to format it either through the
start\my computer\format route or useing the XP disk. I
have attempted this twice in the last month and damn if it
isn't a lot more difficult than people like Purplehaze
make it out to be. Still no solution but once I find the
exact and proper way to do it I will right a simple and
straight forward step by step paper on how it's done. None
of his "just install the CD and it does it all" crap. Have
fun.

 

[purplehaz]

**Ignorance is bliss** The cd does do it all. It can delete partitions,
create new partitions, format drives, convert drives to ntfs, and install
xp. This has to be a real xp cd, not a recovery cd that came with the
computer. It is VERY simple, just follow the on screen instructions. A six
year old could do it. The cd does do it all, you just need to read
everything and follow instructions.
Also you can format the drive with a win9x floppy boot disk, if the cd way
is to technical for you.
Boot to a win9x floppy boot disk, run Fdisk, delete partitions, create new
partitions, reboot to boot disk again, run format, (or reboot to xp cd,
format, install xp). Get boot disk here: www.bootdisk.com

If you can't handle formatting the drive with either of the two above
methods, then you should bring your computer to a qualified computer
professional to have them do it for you. This is what we are here for. To
fix your computer when you don't know how or when you can't follow simple
instructions.

 

[Steve C. Ray]

Boot from the XP CD (you may have to go into BIOS and set the CD drive as
the first boot device) The XP CD has all the necessary tools to delete your
old partitions, create new partitions, format and install XP.

 

[Craig]

Yeah, that's one of the first thing the CD asks for when you boot up from
it.