http://michaelstevenstech.com/cleanxpinstall.html - Clean Install How-To
http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/page2.html#Reinstalling_Windows -
What you will need on-hand

Malke

First make absolutely sure there's absolutely nothing that you'll want -
ever.  Better still get a backup of the whole of the hard disk just in case.
As you boot up press whatever key is necessary (typically <Del> or <F2) to
go into CMOS settings
Change the boot up sequence so that the CD drive is the first to boot up
Put the Windows XP CD in the tray
Accept the change of CMOS setting (typically <F10>
The computer will now boot up to the CD
Take the option to re-format the hard disk (NTFS).
When you've installed WindowsXP change the boot up sequence so that it will
boot to the hard disk
Next, install anti-threat software (Norton Internet Security or similar)
Before going any further it is good to update both Windows
(www.microsoft.com) and anti-threat software to make sure the security is as
tight as possible
Next, you'll need to install the Motherboard utilities and drivers for
printer, scanner etc (that haven't already been done automatically)
You'll then need to install AND configure ALL your software
Last, copy all your user files from your backup

Regards.

Bill Ridgeway
Computer Solutions

    Simply boot from the WinXP Pro installation CD.  You'll be offered
the opportunity to delete, create, and format partitions as part of the
installation process. (You may need to re-arrange the order of boot
devices in the PC's BIOS to boot from the CD.)

HOW TO Install Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=KB;en-us;316941

http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/cleanxpinstall.html

http://www.webtree.ca/windowsxp/clean_install.htm

Thanks everyone who have contributed to threads "Cable Select", "Dell
problem" and "Hard disk install problem" all of which I have initiated in an
attempt to thrash a problem.  A special thanks goes to Philo who came up
with the suggestion that perhaps the BIOS couldn't handle the 300Gb hard
disk.  I hadn't thought of that so I put another hard disk on the second
chain and it was accepted which proves that the 300Gb hard disk is too large
(probable) - or is it faulty (possible).

Regards.

Bill Ridgeway
Computer Solutions