Problem

Hello, I bought used Laptop computer a while ago and when I used it the computer had multiple errors so I decided to wipe it clean and install Windows XP. Now on startup it shows 2 windows operating systems and always asks which one I want to use. Lately after multiple viruses and my wife using it the computer is running bad and I want to wipe it again and reinstall XP but this time I want to make sure that the Harddrive is completely clean first. What can I do to make sure there is nothing on the harddrive before I install XP again? After the last XP install my 20gb harddrive only had 9 gb left so there must be alot of info somewhere.

Boot up with your XP CD, and go through as if you are reloading XP.

When you get the to bit that asks you for partitioning info, just delete EVERYTHING in there, create the partition(s) you want and Format them like normal.

This way you get a balnk slate, and a clean install.

Good Luck

Hong

Here are a couple of excellent guides to doing a clean install of WinXP:

Clean Install XP Pro

Attended Install of Windows XP

Simply re-partition your hard drive and format it.

By the way, how much memory do you have installed? XP requires at least 128mb of RAM, but 256mb is recommended for a smooth eXPerience.

I am running 1 GB of memory.