All right, you want to format your hard drive and start with a clean boot. It's a good idea to do that every once in a while. So let's begin. First, you'll want to make copies of everything you haven't backed up that you will need (if you don't have a cd burner, then your MP3 collection isn't labeled a need anymore). This usually includes your resume, a couple other minor documents, and maybe some setup files you don't have a CD for (i.e. freeware program x, y, and z). Now, once you have all your docs and important files, shut down your computer and insert your boot disk (if you are running XP, NT or 2000, I'll cover you in a bit, just hang tight and read on) and turn on your machine. Choose the option to start your computer without CD-ROM support. Next, you'll want to type FDISK when the command prompt loads. Select the option to view partition information. If you have an extended DOS partition, then view the logical drives within it. now go back to the main FDISK menu, and choose the option to delete partitions. Delete all partitions on the drive. Now create a Primary DOS partition. Exit the program and it should tell you to restart the machine. So hit CTRL + ALT + DEL to restart (if you don't want to get rid of your logical drives, but rather would like to only clear your main drive, then skip to the following step). Now you're ready to start the foramtting process. Boot without CD-ROM support once again, and when the command prompt comes up, type FORMAT C:, and it should prompt some questions. Answer yes to all of them, and the process begins. If you have a large hard drive (anywhere above 10 GB), this will take a while. After you are done, restart with CD-ROM support and begin to install windows.
Now, like I said, it's a bit different with NT/XP/2000 systems. Run your setup program using your large stack of boot disks, and when you are ready to install windows, it will prompt you about partition information. delete and create any partitions you want and install any components of windows you want.
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