In ,
pdthorin typed:

My computer has so much spy-ware on it I'd prefer just to
reformat
the hard drive and start fresh. The only problem is I bought
my HP
desktop with XP already installed and I don't have a disc. Can
I
reformat my drive without getting rid of XP?



That's like asking "if I take everything out of my house, will my
furniture still be there?"

No, formatting means that *everything* on the drive will be gone.

However, OEM vendors are required by their agreement with
Microsoft to give you a means of reinstalling, should it be
necessary. They can do this in one of three ways:

1. An OEM copy of Windows

2. A restore CD

3. A hidden partition on your drive, with restore information.

If you don't have 1 or 2, you should have 3, but you should
contact your vendor to find out.


--
Ken Blake - Microsoft MVP Windows: Shell/User
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