How do I reformat a Dell Latitude C810?

With out the OS, you're not going to be able to do it because formating will wipe everything out. If she's planning on using the machines for several more years, have her buy an OEM copy of XP for $90 and you can download all the drivers from Dell.

Damn that sucks. I was thinking of using the cds that came with my Latitude D620. Her laptop only has windows 2000 professional so it doesnt have an xp cd key. If I use my xp cd from my laptop to install windows on hers and use my cd key what will that do. Will she still be able to use the computer normally? Will it have any negative side affects?

You can install XP on her system, but it will not pass windows activation, which will give you just 30 days of use until it is inoperable. At least that is how it worked for me last time I checked.

Damn. Ya I don't want to chance that. Oh well I guess theres nothing I can do but tell her to buy XP or something. Thanks guys.

Curious why her version of 2000 doesn't have a CD key because mine does although it is a stand alone, i.e., didn't come with a computer. Look n the machine for the CD key. If you install XP on a second computer, ibleet is correct, you have to activate within 30 days, however, you can continue to use it but can't do updates and ultimately it runs like crap. I know a couple of kids running hacked versions of XP but personally I don't think it's worth the hassles.

Oh it has a cd key on the bottom for windows 2000. We just don't have a cd with window's 2000 on it.

Misunderstood you. Looks like she'll have to get a version of XP unless she wants to run a hack. On the other hand she'll be able to install on future machines when her mobo "dies" as long as she's only running it on one machine at a time. $90 isn't chump change but given the OS is foundation for the rest of the machine softwareit's probably worth the money