BleepingComputer.com: Need Reformatting Help

I want to reformat my XP computer. I don't exactly know how to do this.

Also, my computer has 2 hard drives, and I only want to reformat the C: (system) drive but keep the files on my D: (storage) drive.

Is this possible?

How would I do it?

Any tips?


Thanks ahead of time.

The 100% safest way to make sure you format the right drive is to unplug the other one. Remember, when you format the drive, you lose everything on it. Do you have an XP disc? Make sure you have your XP CD key before formatting ,set your BIOS to boot to the CD Rom drive, insert the XP cd, save settings in the BIOS and exit. Then follow the instructions. Now if you have a computer that didn't come with a Windows disc you'll either have a recovery cd or a partition on your C drive. Post back with your situation
Mark

I've got an XP disc. Where would the CD key for it be?

Also: how do I boot to CDrom drive?

It makes sense that I would unplug the drive that I don't want reformatted, but how do I know which is which?

Your C drive will be the one at the end of the cable, it's called the "master". The key is usually on the jewel case. You can find your CD key using Magical jelly bean Be sure to write it down for further use. I usually write mine on the inside of the case. I don't know what computer you have. Getting into the BIOS is different for some machines. On a lot of them, reboot the machine. When the screen first comes on, tap the "delete" key
Mark

So I booted using the disc and let the disc run its course. It never asked me for the CD key, and there's definitely a problem. It didn't actually reformat, it just installed a new copy of windows. I played around doing whatever I thought I could, but it didn't work.
So, here I am, I have 3 copies of XP professional installed and a non-formatted drive.

What do I do?

How do I actually reformat?

Thanks.

Hey bristles, you certainly got in a bit of a knot but easy go to this link http://support.microsoft.com/kb/313348 you can ignore the partion setup if you want. Once you start formatting ALL YOUR DATA WILL BE LOST! Then when you have finished all of your drivers will need to be reinstalled e.g. video,audio ect

I managed to reformat successfully, I think.

But now I'm having some strange problems.
1. My video looks funny. The screen scans any changes rather slowly. I installed drivers, but it is really slow.
2. My PC is registering some "USB Mass Storage Device" and it is always in the Safely Remove Hardware thing. I think it is my 7-in-1 card reader. It never used to appear there, and I'd like it to not appear now.

I should tell you that I have a drivers disc that I used to install all the drivers.

Did I reformat incorrectly? I'd just like my computer to have a fresh start.

Help?

Edit: I'm going to reformat again, but I realized that my computer is not letting me boot from a CD. Any ideas?

Yes that's your card reader. I would go to the video card maker's site and download the most current driver Be sure to reinstall all service packs and Windows updates
Mark

Is there a way to get my card reader to stop showing up all the time in the "safely remove hardware" thing?

Mine does also. Never bothered to look. I'll try to find out
Mark