i have an amdk6 350mh computer running win98se. i got a virus and have had lots of problems since. i want to completely wipe the hard drive and install windows xp pro. never done this, so have no clue how to start besides backing up personal files on floppy. i really need step by step instructions. are there any other files I need to back up? do i need to buy software to wipe the hard drive? any help is appreciated.

Make sure you have your XP cd and a start up disk for Win98. After you have saved what you want off your computer, put in your floppy disk and restart your computer. When you get to the a: type format c: and that will format your computer. Reboot your computer and make sure your XP cd is in and it should take you straight to the setup screen. Go throught the install and that should be it.

If you want to can boot right to the Win XP CD-ROM and proceed with the installation. This requires setting the boot priority in your BIOS settings to look first to the CD drive to boot up. Later, when you've got XP installed, you can set the BIOS back to the more typical boot priority. XP has to be activated by talking to Microsoft, so you can't use it unless you have your own legal copy. Also: if you buy the Win XP upgrade CD you'll need to have your CD from the earlier version to put into your CD drive when prompted. This allows XP to verify you have a legitimate earlier version that can legally be upgraded. eb

thanks for the help tracy & elliot. I'm having a problem. when i type in "format c:" i get a message that says "drive c is currently in use by another process - abort format". then I can't continue. i tried ctrl,alt,del and shut down programs that were running, and disabled my anti virus software - still the same message. what should i do??

You need to boot into DOS - from what you say it sounds like you're trying to format from the MSDOS prompt in windows. If this is the case have a bootable disk in your drive when you turn your computer on. (You can get one from www.bootdisk.com)and format from there.