Archived from groups: microsoft.public.windowsxp.basics (
More info?)
Bill wrote:
> I got a virus that could not be removed so I was going to
> reinstall XP and format my C drive. After saving all my
> data to my D drive I did the reinstall but didn't format
> by drive. How can I get XP to reinstall and format my C
> drive?
Formatting the hard drive to solve a virus problem is rather like
using an axe to trim one's fingernails. Sure, it'll probably get the
job done, but it's rather messy...., and almost always unnecessary.
What other corrective measures have you already attempted?
Because many of the newer viruses and worms can disable antivirus
applications whose definitions aren't kept up-to-date, try using one
or more of the free on-line scanners to double-check your system.
Trend Micro - Free online virus Scan
http://housecall.trendmicro.com/
McAfee Security - FreeScan
http://www.mcafee.com/myapps/mfs/default.asp
Symantec Security Check
http://security.symantec.com/ssc/home.asp
Panda ActiveScan - Free online scanner
http://www.pandasoftware.com/activescan/com/activescan_principal.htm
If you still wish to proceed:
Simply boot from the WinXP installation CD. You'll be offered the
opportunity to delete, create, and format partitions as part of the
installation process. (You may need to re-arrange the order of boot
devices in the PC's BIOS to boot from the CD.)
HOW TO Install Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=KB;en-us;316941
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/cleanxpinstall.html
http://www.webtree.ca/windowsxp/clean_install.htm
--
Bruce Chambers
Help us help you:
http://dts-l.org/goodpost.htm
http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html
You can have peace. Or you can have freedom. Don't ever count on
having
both at once. - RAH