Ok im tempted to reformat my comp, but my dad wants me to reload the operating system completely.
now i have a question, will that format the hard drives as well when i reinstall the OS? or what will it do?
Depends on the Operating System and how many hard drives you have.
If you have 2 and your saved files, picts,mp3 and other stuff --- is located on the second hard drive, i would disconnect that one until your install is done.
For XP, usually power off the computer, insert XP disk into cd rom, turn computer back on....most systems will boot from the cd rom.
If your does not, then look at your BIOS settings & change the boot order.
Once you get to the CD boot screen...you have a couple of options.
Wipe everything on the hard drive (compleate reformat) and Install a Fresh, New OS into the hard drive
or
'Over-Install' the OS ( Installs an New OS on top of the Old OS ).
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If your confused or lost.....google XP re-install or How to do install xp