This article explains how to wipe your Windows XP system and start over from scratch using a procedure called a "clean install." A clean install of Windows is also the best way to go if you want to "roll back" to Windows XP from a later version of Windows, or even if you want to install Windows for the first time on a new or recently erased hard drive.
Format and clean install Windows XP
The most important thing to realize before performing a clean install of Windows XP is that all information on the drive that Windows is currently located on (most likely your C: drive) will be destroyed during this process. This means that if there is anything you want to keep, you should back it up to a CD or another drive before you begin this process.
Some things you might consider backing up that are typically located on the same drive as Windows XP (which we assume is C:) include a number of folders located here:
This includes Desktop, Favorites, and My Documents. Also check these folders under other users' accounts if more than one person logs into your PC.
