How to format C drive for clean install?

[RATTER15]

We are looking to format Carakeels PC, we have the XP CD but it keeps telling us that the current system is newer than the one on the CD and wont let us go any further. How can we get around this?

[ChuckFickens]

You need to boot (start) the computer from the CD.

[RATTER15]

So we choose start PC normally? then what?

[MarkRae]

When you come to the bit about where to install Windows, delete the existing partition and then tell it to use the entire drive.

[Old_Geezer]

If it is booting off the CD then it takes control and allows you to install rather than try to update. Unsure what the question means. Don't you just follow the instructions on the screen ?

[daffy654]

You need to go into the BIOS and set it to boot from CD, put the XP disc in, shut down PC (with disc in), boot up PC and it will (should) ask if you wish to repair or reinstall Windows XP.

[RATTER15]

We havnt got that far Mark, what option do we take when we boot from CD, safe mode, normally etc

[RATTER15]

I cant seem to get into bios to select boot sequence

[ChuckFickens]

No...

If you start the computer from the hard drive it will boot into windows normally. you need to make sure it starts up from the CD rather than the hard drive.

If you put the CD in the drive and then restart the computer keep an eye out for a message appearing for about 5seconds saying press any key to boot from CD.... if the message comes up press any key before it disappears

If you don't get the above message then depending on the computer (whats the make and model?) you will either have to go into the BIOS and change the boot order, or you might have a key you can press right at start up to bring up the boot device menu where you'll be able to select the CD drive as the first boot device.

If you post the make and model I'll look to see which method you need to use.

[MarkRae]

Does the machine try to boot from the CD when one is in the drive? If so, ignore all that about the BIOS.

Then it really just is a matter of following the instructions...

[ChuckFickens]

"what option do we take when we boot from CD, safe mode, normally etc"

They are not options you get when booting from the CD.

[RATTER15]

we do get that message to boot from CD but then it gives us the option to start pc normally, safe mode etc. where do we go from there?

[RATTER15]

ok, so it isnt actually booting from CD then?

[RATTER15]

it does give the option to boot from CD and we do hit the button

[MarkRae]

Doesn't it say something like "Press any key to boot from CD"?

[RATTER15]

yes, we hit the button but then it seems to just start normally

[ChuckFickens]

You need to be fairly quick when the message comes up, otherwise it will go straight past it and boot as normal.

[RATTER15]

we are hitting it immediately.

[rojash]

Read the message carefully. Some BIOS' do the opposite when a CD is in the drive. i.e. they warn you that they are about to boot from CD, and ask you to press a key to prevent it.

[RATTER15]

this says, "press any key to boot from CD" we then press it immediately and we can here the CD spinning as though reading it.

[RATTER15]

We have checked that the CD drive is working and that seems to be fine.