Removing XP

TAPlank

Hi all, a combination of uninstalling Norton Utilities and using the OS drives own defrag and error fixing has left me with about half of XPs files. The task bar is missing and the Task Manager shows about half of the usual number of processes. This was done to see if tit would resolve a number of serious issues.
I would now like to remove all traces of XP, then to format the HD partition and reinstall the OS and SPs and applications. I have tried to do a fresh install in another partition, by I only get as far as the message that the existing version is newer that the one I am trying to install.
I am hopeing there is a simple way to do this.

Doge

Surely by formatting the HD partition you will be in effect removing all traces of XP? (with the exception of the boot loader in the boot sector).

Fysh

If you're reinstalling XP, the easiest thing to do is delete the existing partition within the installer, then create a new partition and install on that.

TAPlank

That's what I initially set out to do but I got the message: Quit any disk utilities or other programs that are using this drive and make sure that no window is displaying the contents of the drive. Then try formatting again.

I looked again just now and found the recycle bin was running, I stopped that and said yes to the question Do you want to dismount this drive, on saying yes it seems that I can now format the drive as planned as it is now formatting.

Many thanks for your time..

JonathanAnon

How do you plan to reinstall XP. do you have a reinstall CD? Probably the easiest to clear the hard drive and start again is to
I) Boot to your XP CD
II) Remove all existing partitions.
III) Create whatever new partitions you need.
IV) Install XP to one of those partitions.