How to Format and Install Windows XP on a Laptop or Desktop Computer

1. Insert the Windows XP installation disc into the computer's disc drive, and then power on or restart the computer.
2. Press the computer's hotkey to enter the boot manager if the computer is not set to boot from the CD automatically. The hotkey is usually displayed briefly when the computer is first turned on. Common keys are 'F8,' 'F10,' 'F12' and 'Esc.'
3. Select the disc drive with the arrow keys, and then press 'Enter.'
4. Press a key on the keyboard to boot from the disc, if prompted.
5. Press 'Enter' at the first prompt.
6. Press the 'F8' key to accept the license agreement.
7. Choose the first partition on the hard drive with the arrow keys, then press the 'Del' key. Press 'Enter,' and then press 'L' to delete the partition. Repeat for additional partitions. This process removes any existing data from the computer.
8. Press the 'Enter' key where it says 'Unpartitioned space' on the screen.
9. Use the arrow keys to choose 'NTFS (quick)' for the format type, and then press 'Enter.'
10. Follow the on-screen instructions to finish the installation of Windows XP on the computer.