i dont have the slightest idea where to start on this, my computer is having so many problems that my only option is to reinstall windows. i dont need to save/back up anything on my system i just want to wipe the slate clean and start again (plus it has recently become infected with a virus that 4 seperate "anti virus" programs havent been able to sort out) i bought a dell computer a year ago. it came with a disk with all the operating systems on (as standard with dell) but dont know how to do this? can anyone point me in the right direction?

Best thing to do is put the disk in then restart your PC, everything should come up automatic, then just follow the on screen instructions.

do i need to format the C drive to get everything off it? or will that be taken care of when i put the provided dell disk in and follow instructions?

I know that formatting the drive is an option when using the genuine windows xp disk, as for a Dell reinstall from their disk I'm not 100% sure, but I think that there would be an option for you to do so.

you're sure that disc contains windows XP and not something else? if i'm not wrong you can also do a system restore i believe. most branded computers have that function. it'll restore your computer to when you first got it.

What you are saying about the restore disk is true, they usually contain a "generic" version of genuine windows, but it is embedded within manufacturers restore CD's under licence from microsoft, if your computer came pre installed with windows XP then thats what you should get with the restore cd, it should in effect wipe everything and restore it, like you say, to the same state when you purchased the PC.

apon closer inspection the disks that came with it only hold application and drivers, no windows xp disk. my system didnt actualy come with a system restor disk, nor a manual for instructions. i have been told that dell, etc usualy keep all that information in a hidden partition on the C drive, but i dont know where to find this or what to do if i did? is there a way of setting my computer back to the original state?

This link should take you to this interactive Dell guide:

How Do I Install the Microsoft® Windows® XP operating system on My Dell Computer?


http://support.dell.com/support/topi...EC13D41D130F57

thank you, the link done the job now for the task of putting everythign back on *sigh

Thanks for the update and the thanks.

Let us know if we can help further in the future.