Format HD and re-install XP

Hi Folks, I would be grateful for any help on this. I have read many threads of late but a wee bit scared to go ahead. Here's the situation: My daughters PC has so many viruses and registry issues due to a three month lack of anti-virus software and I think it would be best to completely format the HD and re-install XP. Here's what I have :All PC and hardware, no floppy drive but CD & DVD drives, 2 x Emachines Restore CDs, Emachines cd key and WINXP product key ( no disc). I also have what I am told is a very useful CD entitled PC Tools Pro which has all the relevant boot up stuff to get Windows back in action. Problem is I don't know where or how to start. It's quite a difference from my last experience with WIN95 which was so simple. I'm sure this must be quite easy but I really need some help. I don't need to back up anything from the old system as we would like a completely fresh re-install.
With my thanks, in advance., Neil.

 

You would need only the Emachines Restore CD's to reinstall the computer to factory condition. Just popin the first cd & boot from CD. The recovery CD should take over from there. One caveat - you would loose ALL data, so backup before doing anything.

I have not personally used PC Tools Pro so I can't comment on that.

 

Hi again, just to let you know that the reply from rsinfo was spot on and worked an absolute treat. Was probably the easiest thing I have ever done. Much obliged and many thanks, Neil.

 

When you rebooted I hope you deleted your old Partition as well. If you didn't, you might find that those viruses are still lurking on your PC.

 

Hah, knew there had to be something - twas just too easy! Now you've got me. Delete partition?????????????
Before I reconnect to the internet I was going to install the same security system that I use ( Panda), run a virus check,etc., and would have thought that this would disinfect any possible issues prior to any future usage. Are you saying that this might not work and that the pc may still contain all the junk from before? (the HD capacity has risen from 74 to 91 percent freespace). Please tell me that this enough. Should I need to delete the partition, how is this done? Thanks again, Neil.

 

There's always a chance that something is lurking in your partition table, but its very small one.

Just scan with upgraded virus scanner & everything should be ok.

 

Just thought I'd let you know that I reloaded everything tonight (even all the Windows updates for what must have been about 9 or 10 months) and, after a few hiccups here and there, everything now appears to be fine. I ran the virus checks and it did find a couple of not too nasty things and disinfected them. My daughter is so pleased (and so am I) and I just wanted to say thanks again for all your help. Thanks folks.