How to Clean Your Hard Drive & Reload Windows
If you want to clean your hard drive and reload Windows, you may be relieved to find that you can complete both actions through one process. When you reformat your drive to reload Windows, it will essentially erase anything you have on your hard drive. Just remember to save any data you need to keep before you get started. Otherwise, it will get lost when you copy over it with your new Windows operating system.
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Instructions
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Turn on your computer and put in your Windows CD before your current operating system (OS) has a chance to come up. Press the space bar when prompted to boot from the CD. You may need to reboot after putting the CD in if Windows loads too quickly.
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Follow the prompts for installing Windows, clicking "OK" and pressing the Enter key as needed. When told to select the location for Windows, highlight the drive you want to erase and press D, then Enter. Next, push L to delete the partitions. This will remove all active partitions from the drive, and all the data will be lost.
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Highlight the item called "Unused Space" and choose "Create New Partition." You will be prompted to format the drive. To completely wipe the drive and install the new operating system, select a full format, and select NTFS partitioning. Once the format is complete, the setup wizard will start and prompt you for the remaining information necessary to complete the installation.
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Enter the serial key, which is the 25-digit number inside the CD case for your Windows software. Then name your user accounts and input the time and date. Let your machine restart itself.
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Set up your Internet connection and register your copy of Windows by following the wizard that pops up upon rebooting. Install drivers as needed to set up your printer and other hardware to be compatible with your new OS by going to the "Start" menu, clicking on "My Computer" and selecting "Control Panel." Then double-click on each item you need to set up.
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Tips & Warnings
Use Windows XP or Vista for the greatest amount of utility. Many programs are not compatible with earlier versions of Windows. Keep your Windows disc and serial key on hand in case something happens and you need to install your operating system again. Before you start, have all of the drivers you need to install, or you will have to reload them from each manufacturer's website.
Microsoft will not allow you to install an unlicensed copy of Windows. You must have a unique serial key.
