OhMan,
Alright so my comps become pretty uh.. dead. You know slow, logged up with programs and games i never use anymore. I want to re-install windows and wipe everything.
You probably have some spyware on the machine which is taking up alot of the clock cycles. In this case, I would highly recommend that you repartition and then reformat the drive. There are certain types of spyware/viruses that can be loaded upon startup. The only way to get rid of these is to repartition.
Your procedure should be:
1. Make sure you have all drivers and software you will need prior to the R&R. Possibly most important is the firewall. If you don't have one, go download ZoneAlarm Free Edition. I've used it for years and have put it on alot of machines and it works just fine. Just make sure its the FREE version and make sure you read very carefully all of the screens when your installing it. They really want to sell you the paid version.
2. Once your sure you have all drivers and software, make sure you disconnect the machine from the internet and don't hook it up again until the firewall is installed.
3. Repartition the drive, reformat and then install XP.
4. Install all drivers.
5. Install your firewall.
6. Once the firewall is installed you can now hook the machine back up to the internet. But NOT before.
7. Reinstall whatever other software you wish.
I already have everything backed up, and i have the original windows system cd. But when i put it in to reinstall, it wont allow me to because i have a newer version of windows than what is on the cd. I believe this has to do with my service pack upgrade.. but i dont know how to get around this. Any helps appreciated. Thanks again. :computer:
Actually, stick the XP CD into the CD drive (don't shut the drive) and shut down the computer. Reboot and follow the instructions. If you haven't repartitioned before it may be a good idea to find a friend that has and have them give a hand.
Good luck.