How do I format the hard drive? HELP PLS!!!?

Question

Hello, I have Win XP SP 2 and I want to know how to format my hard disk. I asked this question before and I was told to insert the Win XP Setup CD, go to the bios and set it as Primary Boot Device, and then install the XP, and it would have automatically formatted everything on the hard and re-installed Windows XP.

Well, I tried to do this, but all it did was, it just re-installed Win XP over the old version, it didn't delete any files. In other words, it didn't format the hard disk. Could anyone who knows how to do this please tell me step by step how to do this? I am quite desperate!

Btw... I have already made saved all my important data on DVDs and also, my hard disk is not divided into any partitions.

PLS HELP!!! Thank you.

Answer 1

Insert the Win XP Setup CD, go to the bios and set it as Primary Boot Device, Delete your current partition, create new partition and then install the XP.



You missed the step to delete and create. You also don't need any other program or software to do this.



Good luck and if you need help, contact me.

Answer 2

install your cd,, when the xp starts ,,, if you have a current version of xp on your comp,, it will give you 2 choices either upgrade or new installation,,, ,, choose new installation and it will wipe your hd drive clean and reinstall a fresh copy,,,if you have a non ntfs formated hd drive,, then you will get a blue setup screen that will install all windows setup files,,, then youll be given the option to start,, you will next see a screen that tells you about partitions on your hd drive,,, find the partition and delete it until you have a clean drive,, the procede to set up windows xp from there,,,,

Answer 3

download a hard disk wiping utility that will boot from CD burn this as an ISO and boot to it, wipe your harddisc from that. i personaly use the 'ultimate boot disc' fro all my partiotning. wiping needs