Computers store data and operating instructions on hard disks. Formatting removes all data from these disks, which is often necessary due to virus infections or a full disk. The document provides step-by-step instructions to reformat a hard disk using a Windows XP CD, including backing up data, booting from the CD, deleting disk partitions, installing Windows to the unallocated space, and restoring backed-up data after completion.

2. Computers store their data and
operating procedures on devices
called Hard Disks. The process of
removing all data from these disks
is called (re)formatting. More often
than most would like a computer's
hard disk must be wiped clean,
whether because a virus infection,
or the disk may just be full.

3. 1. Back up your data.
All important data should be
backed up before starting this
procedure. Remember that all
hard disk data will be lost when
you reformat..

5. 2. Insert the Windows XP CD-ROM
or DVD-ROM into your
computer.

7. 3. Restart the PC.

9. 4. Press any key.
Soon after the power on self test
(POST) a message similar to "Press
any key to boot from CD" will appear.
Press any key at this point.

11. 5. Press the F8 key to agree to
the Microsoft end user license
agreement when prompted to
do so.

13. 6. When the prompt showing
available space is shown select
each field that does not say
"Unallocated Space".

15. 7.Press d (for delete) followed
by L (no need to capitalize) to
confirm partition deletion.

17. 8. Repeat steps 6 and 7 until
the only field left is
"Unallocated Space"

19. 9. Press enter to install
windows to the unallocated
space, select Quick Format
instead of standard.
If you're reformatting to recover
from error, you will want to do a
Full Format otherwise your
error may still exist.

20. 10. The PC should restart, then
select your language and local
preferences when prompted to
do so.

22. 11. When the administrator
password prompt comes
up enter the desired password.

24. 12. All done, restore the
documents you backed up
before starting this procedure
and re-install your applications.

26. Thank you!