total reinstall of windows xp

[randomlight]

I am currently running windows xp pro butI am trying to do a fresh install of windows xp pro because I`m selling my computer.I must have some corrupted files because I get a error message when the computer tries to reboot as part of the installation proccess.So I can`t do a new install from within Windows.
I was thinking that if I could boot to the xp cd I may have better luck.However my computer won`t boot to the cd on startup.
Could anyone suggest how I could do this.Or possibly tell me what I must do to reformat so I can start from scratch ? Any suggestions would be so appreciated, thanks Al

[rjack22]

When you say that your computer won't boot from a CD I am wondering if you have your boot sequence set to boot from a CD first. This is done in the BIOS setup.

You can either go in and change the sequence in the BIOS or you can boot and hold down the F9 key (I think) and choose the boot from CD option there. It is a function key and I think it is F9.

Now if neither of those works to boot from a CD then you have a more extensive problem.

[scouse]

close it is F8, but it could also be the delete button or even the escape but more than likely it will be F8 but it can be any of those depending on what bios you have try F8 first when you switch your computer on after a few seconds as soon as you see the computer booting press F8 a few times it will get you into bios, yes go into your Bios and set the boot sequence to your cd rom drive to boot first, then make sure you save the settings and have the disc in the drive reboot and it should work. you could also make xp floppys boot discs you will need 6 spare floppys to do it though, that way you can install xp still without going into bios as more than likely your boot set up is floppy first so this would be better for you if you do not know how to go into bios.

http://support.microsoft.com/default...NoWebContent=1

[randomlight]

delete button it was .Thanks to all I am now reinstalled. Thanks again