This is kind of like a newbs question but i dont know how to format a system partition... I have only one hd and a bootable windows xp cd, i want to start from the beginning and format my harddrive completely (even system drive)... How do i do it? i know i cant do it from windows xp becuase i need to format the winxp partition. Any ideas or any good programs on bootable floopies that can help me???? Thanks....

WinXP CD will let you do that. Look here for more detail. ___________________________________________ ☺ When everything else fails, read the instructions.

Tiz true as mosaddique says, the XP install CD will give you that option.. just load up to the CD and go through the options to delete existing partition (chose "yes" to lose all data, CTRL+L, etc.), create a new partition and then install XP on the new partition, next option be to format using either NTFS or NTFS "Quick". and you should be off and running.

I just completed these instructions, let me know you don't understand a step. New/Clean Install A=Set Bios to boot from CD/ROM 1=Watch for the prompt to "press any key to boot from CD/ROM" Press ASAP B=Windows setup (loads files) C=To setup XP now press "enter" D=Press F8 for license E=To continue installing a fresh copy of windows without reparing press "ESC" F=For a new or unpartitioned drive press"C" G=For a drive that has partitions or any data on it, you should press "D" to delete the partition and start out with a clean drive. H=Press "enter" I=You will be prompted again, press "L" , Now you are ready to partition and format J=Press "C" K=To create a new partition, enter a size below and press "Enter" (Note=You can create more than one partition here or press "Enter" to utilize the entire drive L=To setup windows on the selected partition press "enter" M=Select format NTFS with quick option, (Should be the top selection) N=Press "enter' O=Wait for format to complete P=Computer will start copying files to the installation folders (this may take several minutes) Q=Computer will re-boot, do not press any key to boot from CD/ROM when prompted. R=follow the on-screen instructions to complete loading windows.

Thanks for all the instructions but i have 2 questions: -What do the letters infront of the = sign mean? -will it tell what to press (d or c) and what these buttons do? or i have to write it down now? Thanks for all the ideas and instructions

They are only to seperate each instruction and have noting to do with the OS install. Yes, the instructions on the screen will tell you what to do also, Don,t worry about messing up or missing an instruction as you can at any time go back and start over simply by pressing the re-set button on the tower.

thanks for all the info