I need to clear my disc or reload everything or something.

[OnionPatch]

There are just too many problems I can't figure out, spyware that won't die no matter what I try, drivers that are broken etc. etc. I just want to wipe the slate clean and start over.

I'm not sure how to do this. What would be the best way? I can get all my passwords, copy all my pictures, files, email, etc. to an external drive I have, then what? Do I need the CD that came with the computer? What is the best way to restore it to the state it was in when it came from the factory? :shrug:

Thanks! :)

[canetoad]

1. You will need the Operating System disc

and the 25 (I think) digit serial number that came with it.

http://www.techspot.com/vb/topic53502.html
http://www.softwarenewsdaily.com/2009/04/windows-xp-installation-guide-clean-install-walkthrough

As it's pointless to reinvent the wheel, these are a couple of ready-made tutorials on reloading XP (assuming that's what you have).

To start, you will need to make your computer boot from the Windows CD. Do this by watching the boot screen and hitting the delete key as the computer boots. You can navigate around the BIOS screen with the arrow keys, using 'Enter' as Yes and Escape as No. Somewhere on the screen will be a guide to which keys to use.

BIOS screens are quite varied, but you will be looking for something like Boot Order, the choices being HDD, Floppy, CD. You need to make CD your first boot drive. Press F10 to save changes, confirm and the computer will restart.

Now you'll be able to start your PC and you will get that "Press anykey to boot from CD" prompt.

After that, it's pretty much a matter of being patient and following the prompts on the Windows installation disc.

[OnionPatch]

2. Thanks for the links.

Yep, this is just the kind of link I needed. I googled some this morning but wasn't really sure what I needed to do, so I wasn't quite sure about the returns I was getting. This first link hits it on the head. Thanks.

[Cheap_Trick]

3. Use this!

http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html

It will audit your computer and display all information on your computer to save as a file.

[travelingtypist]

4. Before you do the wipe, go here.

http://www.cybertechhelp.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=25

Read the stickies, post the HJT log, and let them guide you through a really good, thorough, FREE cleanup. They're the best I've ever found for killing spyware that won't die.

Good luck!