Reinstalling Windows XP no C drive?

I want to do a clean reinstall of XP Pro to tidy up my system. Booting from the CD and accepting the T&C I get to the screen that shows the existing O/S but instead of showing XP in the C: drive it is shown in the E: drive.
My setup uses 2 HDD both partitioned. The boot HDD has C: and E: drives, the second HDD has D:, G: and H: I also have a floppy and CD drive.
I have tried disconecting the second HDD but when I boot from the XP CD the existing O/S is shown in the D: drive.
I am reluctant to continue the installation under these circumstances. Can anyone help?

 

My OS's are all over the place so it's not the end of the world but my main OS is on C:. So then what is on your C: partition? If it's data then just move it and use it.

EDIT: Did your system come with a pre-installed OS?

 

Thanks for the reply. The C drive has XP on it, data is on the E drive.
In reply to your edit yes the OS was preinstalled buty hasd since been reinstalled a few times but never had this problem before.

 

OK, so from what I gathered so far when 2nd HDD is disconnected you have XP on both C and D? I'm a tad confused.

At any rate, if the C drive also has XP, it might be corrupted. Format that and reinstall, the only problem that you'll have is then you will get a boot screen option to choose which one you want, the top entry is the newest.

 

OK, so from what I gathered so far when 2nd HDD is disconnected you have XP on both C and D? I'm a tad confused.

At any rate, if the C partition also has XP, it might be corrupted. Format that and reinstall, the only problem that you'll have is then you will get a boot screen option to choose which one you want, the top entry is the newest.

 

Thanks to both for prompt responses. I have been diverted by domestic issues and holidays but I have now successfully reinstalled XP thanks to your help.