Following the steps in the link below will get it done for you. Assuming the CD-Rom drive is first in the boot order, you start by placing the XP CD in the CD-Rom, then restart the computer. Follow the steps as described in the link and it will delete the current partition, then reformat (wipe the drive), then reinstall the operating system. After that, you'll need to install the drivers from that CD and then applications.
Windows XP Home Fresh CD Install on a Used Hard Drive
After you've done all that, make sure you have a XP's firewall operational, (Open the Control Panel, double click on the "Network Connections" icon, RIGHT click on the connection icon that you use, choose "Properties", then click on the "Advanced" tab, then "Enable" it.) then IMMEDIATELY go to the Windows Update site on the internet and install all updates. (BETTER YET, if you;ve go the XP Service Pack 2 installer, please install XP SP2.)
Hope this helps.
Grif
I have a laptop that I am giving to my son and I want to totally clean it before he gets it. I wanted to erase the hard drive and reinstall the software. I have the reinstallation CD for Windows XP SP1, and the drivers, utilities and applications software CD. I am not sure exactly what steps to take. Any help you can give me would be appreciated.
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