How to format and reinstall win XP?

[imperfectcircle25]

My current family computer is quite old a P933mhz 512meg 40gig system and its been running slow recently I tried all the usual virus scans and spyware scans and registry scans and defragging and all that stuff but it doesnt seem to help, so I am going to do a fresh install of XP. Now how do I format the drive?? When I try to format from Windows it says the disk is in use and cannot be formatted, do I have to get a special program to do this??
thanks

 

[billscarnage]

Just remember that when you format you lose everything on the drive, so make sure you have everything backed up.

You can't format the drive while it's in use - like running the computer/OS.

If you have a full version of XP just insert the CD and boot from the CD. It'll walk you through formating steps. I usually kill the partition, create a new one and format (you'll come to a point where you're prompted for these options).

If you have an upgrade CD there should be an option for installing a fresh copy. I believe it'll reboot and walk you through the normal install steps.

Also check the minimum sys requirements for XP. It'll probably run slow on a 933mhz.

 

[pscowboy]

The 933 cpu is passable, but I would try like heck to get the memory up to 1gig. RAM is super key with XP!

 

[butcher]

The 933 cpu is passable, but I would try like heck to get the memory up to 1gig. RAM is super key with XP!

1 gig would be a waste on a $#!+ box(not that i dont like p3 or anything) most none gaming pcs these days dont even have that much
(one you buy in rippoff stores that is)

my perants have a p3 800 with 256mb(was at 512 at one piont and there was no real difference except in games) and it runs fine