How to Reformat a Dell Computer With Windows XP

1. Back up any files and data you wish to keep before reformatting your Dell computer. Use a CD, flash drive or zip disk to do so.
2. Insert your Windows XP CD into your Dell computer. Restart your computer.
3. Wait for the 'Welcome to Setup' page to load after your computer restarts. Select 'Enter.'
4. Hit the 'F8' button on your Dell computer's keyboard to accept the Windows XP Licensing Agreement. At this point, you may be asked to repair an existing Windows XP installation, if applicable. You may opt out of the repair by pressing the 'Esc' key, or activate the process and wait for it to complete.
5. Allow the next window to appear, where it lists all hard drive partitions for your hard disk. This is where you partition the hard disk. Use the arrow keys on your Dell's keyboard to select a non-partitioned listing to create a completely new partition on your hard disk.
6. Select the size of your new partition to be formatted. You may either hit the 'Enter' key to automatically make the largest partition possible, or you may type the size you wish in megabytes and then hit 'Enter.'
7. Install Windows XP on your new partition. Use the arrow keys to select from the list the new partition you just created.
8. Select the kind of format you wish to use when formatting your new partition. You can either select the 'NTFS' or 'FAT' file system. If you are using an older Dell computer, you may only be able to select 'FAT.' However, if you can, select 'NTFS.' NTFS is a newer, superior file system. Also, 'FAT' cannot be used if you set the new partition to be larger than 32GB.
9. Press 'Enter.'
10. Wait for the Windows Setup program to format the partition. Afterward, the 'Install Windows XP' screen will appear. Click 'OK' and 'Next' to advance through the wizard, and then wait for Windows XP to install. Your Dell computer is now reformatted with Windows XP.