What exactly do I need to format my computer?

I have a regular Windows XP Service Pack 2 installed in my computer and I want to format it. I have never done so.





Can I use any Windows XP Service Pack 2 cd or do i need to buy a new one?





Do I need a cd key in order for the formatted computer to be genuine?





Will I be able to automatically update my computer if my computer is geniune, if formatting my computer makes my computer no a geniune one?

What exactly do I need to format my computer?
Hi,


to reformat your system is really easy just do this, "backup all your stuff first" then put your windows install disc into your CD drive and then reboot your system, when it boots from the disc select install, then reformat, then install back onto the same partition again (that's important) and "Bingo" you have done a clean install of windows XP on your system, you need the Key code to install windows from your CD and also to validate your copy for windows update as well. hope this helps you.
Reply:f you have the Win software, there is no problem? Put the disk into the drive, and a command "press any key to boot from CD". Do it, and follow the menu instructions. When it ask you if u want to make a new partition, don't make one, unless u need it. When the machine asks if you want to format the drive, you can choose not to format, or to format as NTSF (For a good job, do not use "quick format"It will tell you what letter to choose to format the disk, enter the letter and good buy to disk, it will be formated (You better have the windows disk to reinstall it)
Reply:As long as you have a genuine copy of XP and the key that came with it that's all you need. But if you've never done it and aren't sure of what you're doing...have someone who knows what they're doing, do it for you. Once you wipe the hard drive you're on your own. There can be driver issues and configuration settings that may keep you from getting your box up and running properly again. Don't bother to use a bogus copy of windows. In alot of cases the MS servers will either reject the key during installation or as soon as you connect to the internet. Or even worse, a few months down the road when you do an online driver search and a message appears that says "...you have 3 days to activate windows..." Since the release of Vista it can be tricky to find a retail copy of XP anymore so make sure you don't shoot yourself in the foot.