Ok, I've done all I can do. I can't run Kaspersky due to errors and the SVC PK 1 recomends a reformat before installation. So my HD is slated for a Re-Format tonight or tomorrow. I have some questions first. With my system, what is the proper method? Should I create a boot disk then format from a C: prompt or should I just use the options that are on that Dell "Operating System" WinXP disk? Also, will that "Drivers and utilities" Resource disk come into play after the re-installation of windows? I thought everything was plug and play. Or is just a disk for that big "Just in Case"? Any help or suggestions on neccesary steps to take prior to formatting the HD would be appreciated. I would also like to thank anyone who has helped me the past five days on this Trojan problem. It's time for this computer to get an enema! Thanks in advance. Matt

If you have the disks that Dell gave you I would use them. Is it a regular XP disk or a recovery disk? If you follow the instructions that came with it I'm sure everything will be great and your computer will act like brand new, if software was your problem. If you have the Offical XP disk I would recommend slipstreaming it to XP SP2 before you do the install. If you have a XP disk you will want to delete the partition that XP is installed on right now then make a new partition in it's place then format it. This will all be done with the XP cd in the first part of install. You don't need a floppy disk anymore like you did previously. I would think you would want to install the drivers and utilities resource disk. Make sure you back up any pictures, documents, mp3 or other personal file you have because this will erase all of them unless they are on a drive other than your Operating System drive.

It is the "Reinstallation CD" Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition. It is not a recovery disk to my knowledge. This is the original XP disk that came with the system, complete with Key and Certificate of Authenticity. So do I just reboot with this in the drive? and is there an option to format? Thanks.

You need to go into the bios and make sure cdrom is at leasst 1st or second boot device so you can boot to the XP cd. Press F2 as you hit power switch on to get into bios (setup) and look for boot order.

Thanks, I will get back to let you know how it went. That will be tomorrow as I am at work right now and don't get off until midnight (Eastern)