How do I wipe my hard drive to reinstall a good version of Win XP?

I am sorry for asking the same question, but I looked all thru the forums & couldn't find the same thing I'm having a problem with. Ok, I bought a comp from someone and apparently the version of Win XP is bootleg, so did the right thing and went to CompUSA and bought a genuine copy and am trying to install it, but it is trying to make me only "upgrade" from the bootleg version, which I don't want to do, want to wipe the whole thing and start over, plus I don't want to think about the other things that may be embedded on here, so think the best is to start over. How do I delete the partition from startup, with out any tools/programs ( unless really is better to use something, but don't want to) Please someone with a good experience help me out here. Thanks for your time, have a good one. Send any replies to here or at stormadjusting@aol.

 

There isn't any way to do what you are wanting without additional tools/programs, if the Windows CD will not let do a full install. In that you are wanting to start fresh, I would recommend this, http://www.majorgeeks.com/Dariks_Boot_and_Nuke_d4596.html. Or you could download your hard drive manufactures tools/software and accomplish the same. Most are located here, http://www.majorgeeks.com/downloads8.html. Hope this helps.

 

Yeah, I use Dban (dariks boot and nuke) every two reformattes and it really helps.

 

You should be asked where you wish to instal XP, choose the current C; drive,and then choose to format the C: partition, and do a full format.

 

Microsoft are usually the best place to look , when you need to see what is supposed to happen

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/setup/winxp/install.mspx

 

Follow the link provided by baklogic.

No other software is necessary.

btw: don't include your email addy in your posts

 

I am sorry, I should have added this, as I realised this was your problem, and I failed to give you the pres ESC.

"If an existing Windows XP installation is detected, you are prompted to repair it. To bypass the repair, press ESC."

If you scroll down the page , you will see full explanation.

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/313348 :major