[mhlefebvre]

How do I delete microsoft windows 2000 from my computer and erase the entire hard drive? I have MS windows XP that I would like to install.

 

[Wand3r3r]

You would delete all partitions and recreate, then format using the xp install.

 

[mhlefebvre]

Could you give me a step by step process on how to do this?

 

[Old Rich]

This is a good guide to reinstalling XP . . you might want to print it for reference during the install.

XP Clean Install

 

[spunk.funk]

The link Rich sent you is a good guide, but basically, you would put the XP CD in and reboot the computer. It should pick up the bootable CD and give you the message Press Any Key To Boot From CD. Then the XP install starts. When you get to the Partition information, Delete the previous partition, Create a new Partition the whole size of the drive, Format the partition NTFS, and Install Windows.

 

[mhlefebvre]

I went into setup and set it to boot from the CDRom and it doesn't seem to be reading the XP CD. I saved the changes and I can see the light briefly come on for the CD Rom, but then it automatically opens up again in MS 2000 Professional again. Help! I'm frustrated!!

 

[Old Rich]

Chekc BIOS to be sure that the CD Drive is set as the first boot device . . when you restart, you will see a black screen with a prompt "Press any key to boot from CD" . . do that and you will be able to delete any or all partitions and recreate one or more, then proceed to formating and installing XP.

That message can pass quickly, so have a finger on the keyboard when you boot. This will delete all data on the drive so be sure you have your important data backed up. The prompt will appear after every reboot, but do not press any key on subsequent reboots. The setup process will continue with no action required from you.

If you do not get that message, and if you have another optical drive, try the XP CD in the other drive.