Need help with windows first build

[ObsiDianOsiris]

have OEM windows xp pro /w sp2 and it installed without a problem, but I hit enter before I set the clock correctly and when I set it from windows It thaught 30 days past and now I can't get into windows because of that 30 day register thing.

How do I format my HDD without getting into windows so I can give it another run

 

[mechBgon]

1) put in your Windows CD and boot from it to start Windows Setup

2) when it shows the partitions on the hard drive, delete them all, then press the F3 key twice to exit from Windows Setup

3) now start Windows Setup again and do five push-ups while chanting "I will not post the same thing in multiple parts of the Forums" (hint: cross-posting is not good form, give your first thread a chance )


Hope that helps, and have fun with your new system!

 

[SlitheryDee]

Make sure that the cdrom is set as the first boot device in the bios. Insert the windows disk when you first start the computer and wait for setup to start. Setup will automatically format the drive for you before installing as long as you don't choose the repair installation.

Edit: damn beat me to it...

 

[ObsiDianOsiris]

I put the CD in and Rebooted my comp but it just run windows and It gets stuck at the login screen with the same problem, how do I boot it from the CD so it reinstalls windows again.

 

[ObsiDianOsiris]

Yay I figured it out.

Ty for help

 

[mechBgon]

how do I boot it from the CD so it reinstalls windows again.

Go into your motherboard's BIOS and change the boot-device order so that the CD/DVD drive is higher in priority than the hard drive. The precise steps will depend on what motherboard you've got. If you can't find where, post what motherboard you have.