I want to completly format my HD. I already have everything saved that i need to save. I have my XP bootable disc etc, etc, i have tons of virus's, spyware, and useless junk. I want it all gone and to start from scratch. Can someone please explain to me in laymens terms how to completely format this laptop?

While running your current version of XP, insert the XP CD in the drive. When the setup menu appears, select "New Installation" (clean install) from the pull-down menu. Also, select"Advanced" and place checkmarks in the two boxes. 2. Next, your computer will start copying files and then reboot. At this point, select the same drive/partition that Windows XP is currently installed on. Select the option to "format" this partition using either FAT32 or NTFS. 3. After the drive/partition is formatted, XP will begin the setup process and install "clean". =================================== http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;313348 http://www.duxcw.com/faq/win/xp/formatting.htm http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase/windowsxp_sg_clean.asp http://www.theeldergeek.com/formatting_drives_using_xp_cd.htm

"Can someone please explain to me in laymens terms how to completely format this laptop?" Do you not have the recovery disks that came with the laptop? If so... Use them to reset the laptop back to factory default. Lessons learnt the hard way are not easily forgotten.

Since you describe you drive as being virus and malware laden. Do you not use antivirus and malware software? Also if it was as bad as you describe you were luck to get your data off it all. You might want to consider keeping you data on a separate partition. You might not be so lucky next time. How large is the hard drive? Never say Never Romeo Void Firefox 1.5.0.2 A Safer Browser Thunderbird 1.5.0.2

Try the freeware - Super Fisk 1.0 to format your hard drive