Some things to consider before reinstalling or formating your hard drive:

1. Back-up all data!
2. Make sure you have an original copy of Windows 98, ME, or NT. Thes MUST be an OEM Version of Windows, not an upgrade copy.

Now follow these directions:

Yes you can use fdisk, but it is a little tricky. You do it from XP Recovery Console. Put the XP disk in and restart the computer. You should get a screen that allows you to install XP or Recover XP or Quit Set-Up. Press R for the Recovery Console. Next follow the screen and instructions here: www.wown.com/j_helmig/wxprcons.htm

But the best solution is to go to the Hard Drive Manufacturers website, for the drive you have installed, and download their disk utility. MaxFactor is the one for Maxtor Hard Drives and so forth. Then put the disk utility onto a floppy and restart the computer with the floppy in the drive. You should automatically start the hard drive installation tool. Follow through and format the drive and set it up. This will make your harddrive clean, formated and partitioned for the installation of XP. WARNING: Format will remove everything from your computer!!! Back up all data you want to keep before running any format utility!!!

Next install Windows XP Pro by simply placing the cd-rom intp the cd drive and letting it go through the prompts. You will need a copy of Windows 98, NT, or ME to put the product in your computer. You will be installing an upgrade version into a new computer hard drive or blank drive and you need to proove you have a Valid OEM or Full copy of a preexisting windows os. Without that your computer will do nothing and you cannot reinstall Windows XP!

Also you will have to reactivate Windows through their activations utility, when you are all finished with it. I have done this three times so far and have had no problems. But some people say it can give you a blue screen asing you to call their support desk for an activation code. I haven't heard of anyone having this happen to them personally, but it is something to keep in mind when you reinstall windows.