How to Reformat a Computer With Windows XP Professional

Windows XP Professional's installation program can reformat your computer's hard drive before the operating system is installed. Unlike the reformatting utility within the operating system itself, reformatting with the installation program allows you to reformat the system drive on the computer, thereby completely erasing the operating system.

Things You'll Need

• Installation CD for Windows XP

Instructions

1. Place the Windows XP CD in your computer and restart it. Press the DEL, F12 or other appropriate key that opens the boot menu.

2. Choose the "Boot from CD" option and hit the "Enter" key. Wait for the Windows installation welcome screen to appear, and then hit the "Enter" and "F8" keys in order.

3. Choose the drive you wish to reformat, and then press the "D" key and the "L" key. The drive you selected is now formatted and you can continue the installation process or exit by pressing the "F3" key and install another operating system.

References

• Microsoft: How to install or upgrade to Windows XP