Just wanted to mention how good it is to see joshsiao and Coffee posting so often with useful information! Keep it up guys

Now, Wumply...

Question 1:

Now to wipe my HD clean, I should choose #2? Do you know for a fact that that WILL wipe out or render totally unusable my HD?

Yes, option 2 (press escape). You will be asked which partation you want to use (you can even delete the current partition and create a new one) and then which file system you wish to format the drive in (I recommend NTFS!). Your data on the drive will be 'wiped' but your hard drive will remain usable!

Question #2

Now I just continue following instructions, the XP disk stays in the drive and after it tells me to do whatever re repartitioning or not, it will then start to reinstall XP or direct me to make the choice to reinstall Windows?

Exactly, just follow the prompts! It will even automatically restart where necessary...the important thing to remeber is as the computer restarts, dont press any key to boot from the CD-ROM again, just let the XP Setup take over (i.e. let the PC boot normally).

Question #3.

Once XP is installed, then I can boot normally and just go ahead and reload all my drivers and programs, etc?

Yes. Most things will be installed automatically using the XP drivers which should be fine, but it's never a bad idea to go to the manufacturer's website of each component and download the latest drivers, after you install Service Pack 1 and run Windows Update that is!


These questions may seem obvious but I don't want to screw things up and have an inoperable computer and you won't be here looking over my shoulder. And I've have run into situations where I am simply unsure as to which choices I should make. I've spent too much already on them.

Is that your only PC?? If you can get to another PC, you can always ask us a question about your position in the setup. Else, dive in and go for it...you learn by doing...and making mistakes! In my experience XP installations almost always go smoothly so I'm confident you will be fine