quick xp reformat question

[Noldster]

Hey, I got a spare laptop. It has Windows XP HOME SP2. And I'm going to reformat it with a Windows XP Proffessional cd. I am wondering, when I boot from the cd, and im at the Select Partion blue screen, do I first push D to delete the only partion or do I just press Enter to do it on the same partion? Keep in mind that its going from HOME to proffessional.

[ZeratulsAvenger]

If you are reformating, meaning you want to be rid of all the info and junk on that system currently and start completely fresh, then I would delete the old partition and then do a quick format of it and install there. But I guess I don't care about possible wasted time.

[tgvas]

I would think, anytime you are installing a new OS, you repartition the Hard Drive, reformat and install from Boot, in this case, wouldn't you boot from the floppy drive, thus, installing CD ROM drive activation?

While this does take longer, I wouodn't do it any other way!

Also, when partitioning the HD, I would strongly advise to make at least 2 partitions, C & D, D being a safe place to store backup files if your C drive needs reformatting once again.

In this day and Age of viruses, worms, invasive programs from nasty people, programs that even ZONE ALARM and a good anti-virus have a difficult time fighting off, reformatting must become a annual or bi-annual event!