Q:
A: Formatting (or reformatting if you already have stuff on your computer) is the process by which your hard drive is prepared for use. This involves wiping down whatever is on the hard drive and creating a new partition(s). In other words, your hard drive will get scrubbed clean. Windows, any files you have, and any viruses you have will be eliminated from your computer entirely. To do this, locate your Windows discs. Then place them into your computer but don't do anything yet. Restart your computer. If a blue screen pops up, you're on the right track, skip the next paragraph. If however nothing special happens and you just get to the login page again, you need to mess with the BIOS. While your computer is starting in the first couple seconds you'll have to enter setup (which is usually done by hitting F2 or delete). In there, find the Boot priority and make sure your CD drive is placed at a higher priority than your HDD (hard disk drive). Now restart your computer with the Windows CD in the drive and try again. You'll see a blue screen with your drive located on it. C, D, whatever. Delete these partitions and when you have only an unpartitioned space left, follow the onscreen steps to install windows onto that partition (you'll have to format it). When it asks you how you want to format, do not pick the quick option - this is generally only for hard drives that are new. Install Windows and you should be ready to go.