Clearing HDD, Without losing Windows?

[sliptap]

Here is my problem: I recently told my girlfriend's father that i would look at one of his WinXP computers that he has been having problems with. He told me that he would like me to clear everything off the HDD.

The problem is that he doesn't have any recover CD's or a copy of Windows XP, thus preventing me from doing a format. I have an WinXP Pro CD, but im assuming his product key wont work because the product key is for Home Edition.

What i want to know is if there is a "Soft Format" or something of the nature that would clear the HDD without erasing Windows?


Thanks in advance any responses.

 

[Zoron]

No, there is no "soft format" option. You either format or perform a recovery... in either case you'll need a Windows CD of some sort. You can uninstall programs, delete data and delete user profiles manually... but that is all you can do short of formatting the drive to clean up everything else.

 

[Guest]

Also, you'll need the same type of XP Home CD to match the CD Key.

Grumpy