klown,
First of all, you need to enable the boot priority to boot from a CD-ROM as a first option... then only HDD (if it isn't enabled by default). For that, you must access your BIOS.
Now, as you can boot into your Windows XP CD - do so...
Then, look for available partitions listed. Detele all, if you have no important data on them (or if you backed up, as you've said)...
After that, choose an "allocated space" to install XP there. First, you'll have to
format (fast is just a detetion of an access paths; full is a single cluster erasion and ready up).
Now, you'll see the setup... Be careful what you choose, check options, specify the default language, etc..
After mentioned is done, just set up your windows' look, etc., parameters and so on... after, I recommend making a restore point, with a clarification of what it stands for.
Don't forget about Adobe Flash, Reader, Anti-malware, on-demand anti-malware scanner (like Malwarebytes'), office, VLC, browser of your choice... and so on and so on... Then make a second "setup" restore.
Be careful with using your windows, and if you're maintaining it with some software, like registry cleaner(s) - I can only suggest Auslogics' FREE products.
I'm using: Auslogics' Registry Cleaner and HDD Defragmenter, CCleaner (<== can delete old or unneeded restore points) and Revo Uninstaller (<== uninstalls any software completely).Hope this helps to you... if I haven't forget something,
rhino

www.auslogics.com | www.ccleaner.com | www.revo.com
Edited by rhino1366, 17 December 2009 - 03:12 PM.