Refomating a computer

Made a topic earlier about this, but that was when I was unprepared. So many people are saying "wow this is easy, theres nothing to it", then so many people are also saying "this is very risky, i wouldn't do it unless your a professional". I really don't know who to believe in! I finally got my Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Installation CD from Dell in the mail today.

So really, do I have to go into DOS and type codes and crap to get this running? Or all I do is go to My Computer > Reformat. Then when i turn on computer put CD in and the computer is back to normal... I just want to reformat my computer and install Microsoft Windows XP Media Center with MY COMPUTER, RECYCLE BIN, and INTERNET EXPLORER on there.

Is this possible, if so please describe to me how it's done or if you've done it before how hard was it. Thanks

Just put the CD and follow the instructions for a fresh install. Simple.

stick the cd in your computer and you should get an installation window, just like installing any program or game. I have had on occasions an error because the copy I was installing was being installed on a more recent OS, or because I needed to verify I was eligible for upgrading by inserting the CD from the current install. Good luck

So... Just pop in the Windows XP Media Center CD right now and it'll do it all on it's on once I hit OK and all the verify buttons? Seems too easy when people are telling me it takes a lot of skill / time / knowledge to do it and it's risky.

Using your CD should be fine. You should have an installation option to wipe the disk and install XP over again.

As people have stated, just pop the CD in, and it should all be fairly simple from then on.
It just takes once for you to get the flow of how it works, isn't that complicated really.

I gave you a detailed guide when you messaged me the other week, just follow that.

http://helpdesk.its.uiowa.edu/window...s/reformat.htm
The only thing I disagree with them on is that you should use the ntfs (quick) option.

For all intents and purposes, media center installs the same as home or professional (media center is professional with a few extra programs on it)