How to format hard drive when WinXP is on it.

[WishMaker]

I had Win98SE on this hard drive. It's the only hard drive I have on this computer. I had problems making a new soundblaster sound card work, so to see if it would work with winXP, I used the WinXP from my other machine and installed it. The soundblaster worked. Great, Fine, Fantastic.

Now, I want to completely uninstall the WinXP, (home edition) format the c drive and install the WinXP (Pro edition) I bought for this machine.

Problem. (besides I'm probably an idiot) I don't know how to get to where I can type in format c: in WinXP. In Win98SE I restarted and chose restart in DOS Mode. Apparently, there is no such thing in WinXP or I'm overlooking it.

How do I format my c drive to accept the new WinXP Pro edition I have in my hand?

[Cobra]

You don't need to. Boot from the Windows CD, and it will prompt you to format during installation. Choose a full NTFS format, and make a cup of coffee.

[SquirrelDip]

Agree - but you may also have to go into your setup (hit <Del> during boot) and change the boot order. Put the CD as the first boot device.

You can change it back when all done...

[WishMaker]

I got to the WinXP Pro Setup and it says "The following list shows the existing partitions and unpartitioned space on this computer.

Use the UP and DOWN ARROW keys to select an item in the list.

To set up Windows XP on the selected item, press ENTER

To create a partition in the unpartitioned space, press C.

To delete the selected partition, Press D.

In a box it says 2930 MB Disk 0 at Id 0 on bus 0 on atapi (MBR)
C: Partition1 (Fat 32) 29330 MB (27252 MB free)

I chose ENTER and it says You chose to install windows XP on a partition that contains another operating system. blah blah
Then CAUTION Installing multiple operating systems on a single partition is not recommended. Blah blah.

So I'm left with the other two options, right? Or am I doing something wrong?

I want to get rid of the other WinXP totally. Is this the correct way? Or does it matter?

[bazooka]

If you install on the fat partition without formatting, your data is intact but the os will go from home to pro.

If you want to format, then choose delete partirion.

[WishMaker]

It's formating C: Partition1 (New <Raw>)

Now I need to choose either coffee or a Valium Cooler. Hmm... Which one.

Really, though, If this works, I will personally kiss you guy's feet if I ever see you. It's ok. I'm a gal. (I suppose it wouldn't be okay if you're also a gal :P ) If you're a gal, we can eat chocolates together.

[bazooka]

It will work.

Did you choose to format with fat32 or ntfs?

Ntfs is more secure and uses the hard drive more efficiently.

[WishMaker]

I chose the NTFS. The only reason I didn't when I experimented with my other machine's WinXP was I wasn't certain if I could change back to fat32 if I went back to Win98SE. This machine is not the one I would use for video ediiting, but now I have that option. The hard drive is much too small on this machine, but oh well. Maybe a few clips.

[bazooka]

How large is the hard drive you are talking about?

[WishMaker]

It's only 30gigs. I'll be using my other computer for video. For that machine, my computer details are listed.

Everything installed fine and is activated and registered. Thanks everyone and you can take off your shoes and socks for a virtual foot kissing.