reformating the hardrive

[Guest]

Hi there,

my computer recently crashed, I sort of fixed it by accidently downloading
windows again, so I had two "layers" it crashed again a few months later and
I sent it to be fixed, the company closed so I was left with rushed fix-it
job... my computer works but my hardrive is now doubled up with all sorts of
data, as he copied and pasted all my files from one windows to the new
windows! I now have 36GB on my harddrive, when I sent it in it only had about
15GB.

I bought an external hard drive and have backed up all my data. I have a
windows XP Recovery / install disc. So I was wondering how I go about
cleaning my hard-drive. That is restart from fresh and re install all my
programs which I have to do anyway, due to the fellows quick fix...but there
are already program files hidden away in the system somewhere, as I can see
the folders, but when I click on the program it says it must be reinstalled.
So can I just reformat my hard disc?? to start from fresh, if all my files
are backed up on an external drive?

any info would be great.

thanks Mim

 

[DL]

Assuming all data is backed up/copied to other media, boot from the recovery
disk and follow instructions.
There are different types of recovery disk supplied, you will have to read
your PC stuff, or visit their web site for specific instructions.