Starting computer a new

Why not just go into Safe Mode and uninstall everything you don't want? Although apparently you should do a full format every six months to a year.

I have all my stuff backed up onto DVD's and CD's.

You should backup the things you want first (although scan them for viruses first, you don't want to infect the formatted PC) - either to discs or external drives.

Then put the XP disc in, reboot and press any key when it asks you to, then follow the instructions. Delete the partition it shows then install XP.

Yeah, you'd have to have a CD for whatever OS you're using.. what ARE you using, anyway? Vista actually has a built in program that will format the HD and reinstall Vista.

Burn everything you want on dvd or a flash drive. If you have restore points pick a point and restore. Try that first. If you have Vista pressing F11 on start up will reinstall everything to factory settings.

I have XP, I've backed up all the folders and files I want.. but I have a program for everything.. and I don't need it.

While your computer is up and running, I would download all the drivers that are required. (NIC, Audio, Graphics, etc.) Usually these can be found by typing the serial number of your computer in at the manufactures website.


I would locate all the programs and serial numbers of those programs that you want to re-install. Have these handy on a flash disk or cd to install after a low level format and xp install. If possible, I would grab the latest antivirus dat/sig file so that your antivirus is current before you attach your newly installed copy of xp to the internet.



DIY Service Pack will go to Microsoft WSUS website and download all the current XP critical updates


If your copy of XP doesn’t have Service Pack 2, I would highly recommend spending the extra time to do this before you wipe your harddrive. This program does grab SP2 and will install it first, then all of the other patches Micro$oft is known for. If you have Microsoft Office it will grab the updates for those as well, and burn them to an .iso image when complete.


I followed these steps about a month ago and was up and running in just a few hours with everything loaded fresh and up to date with all the patches and current drivers. I only accessed the internet after I had Microsoft and Antivirus up to date.

I think you are going to find its not that easy and would appreciate the help of a professional. Maybe you know somebody...