[Just Dan]

Start>Run> Cmd.exe will give you the DOS prompt.. good luck :-)

[Critical Bill]

I thought Start > all progs > accessories = a dos command prompt?

[rdb3]

You get to your BIOS during the computer's POST. You probably need to hit either F10 or the "Delete" key to access it.

Be quick. Once POST passes control to the OS, you'll have to reboot again.

[StudPilot]

You need to nuke it. Follow the instructions here: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/q255867/

[Malsua]

Set your bios to boot to the CD. Put your XP disk in the drive.

Boot into the Windows XP installer. Delete the partion. You can re-create it and install XP or don't do anything and let whatever OS you intend to install do the creation for you.

[dennisw]

Get GWSCAN program at Gateway and make a floppy disc from it. 7514539.exe - GWSCAN 5.09 for all Gateway hard drives.
http://support.gateway.com/support/drivers/search.asp?param=gwscan&st=kw

You will need to first use a a floppy boot disk. Win95, 98, Dr. Dos, what have you. When you get the "A" drive prompt put in the gwscan floppy, type in gwscan and push your keyboard's enter button

Write zeros is the option you want ..... full erase is what you want. It's very fast, improved and faster than it used to be, and works on all hard drives.
I did a 40 gig hard drive in 12 minutes.

[dennisw]

After fully erasing you should make an install and partition floppy for your drive. Every manufacturer has one. If you tell me what brand hard drive, I'll tell you what to get.

MAXTOR--maxblast
WESTERN DIGITAL- data lifeguard (2003 version, may be a newer better one)
http://www.majorgeeks.com/download2855.html

[Chewbacca]

The first thing you need to do before installing Windows XP Home Edition is the following:

Find the make and model of your motherboard.
Check the manufacturer to see if there is an update for the BIOS for that board. Also check for the latest drivers for your video card and save them to a disk.

Flash the BIOS using a floppy boot disk.

Turn off computer and erase the CMOS.

Turn on computer and go into the BIOS by hitting DEL key.

Then set the boot up to BOOT FROM CD-ROM and Save the settings and exit.

Insert Windows XP Home installation disk.

It should start up and take you through the setup program.

Erase the current Partition on the hard drive, then create a new partition and format it with a Quick or Full format (I usually use a full format).

(*I usually set the Windows XP OS on a 30 Gig partition. I also create a seperate partition for my other programs I load like games and pictures as that way you can always defrag it easier and/or reformat only the first partition and leave all the other saved files alone.) I have a 250Gig HD.

[Critical Bill]

If you are a newbie then you really need to settle down and read some good articles about reformatting etc. It takes a while to absorb it all and you need the tools ( software) to make it easier.

[Critical Bill]

Also you will want to save serial #'s etc of all the software installs on the old HD. I recommend Belarc Advisor for that. Many times I need to know stuff I have deleted in my zeal to have a new clean zippy HD.

[Critical Bill]

A good tool to have is Hiren's BootCD 6.0

If enough people want it I will upload to ezyshare etc for my FReeping buddies.

[Critical Bill]

While I am in a Xmas mood I have 6 Gmail invites to give away. First 6 FReepers to email me get'em.