Reformatting the computers hard drive is quite easy and simple and is done through the creation of a windows image file, which is also known as Ghost reformatting. Using the Ghost reformatting you create what you call a mirror image of the computer, and then once that is done you reinstall a newer version. In previous times it used to take much longer for this process but it now only take about 5 minutes, the reason behind this fast procedure is that that you actually make a decision on which programs to install, rather than the whole lot of programs to be installed. It is also important to use a DVD to hold a copy of the operating system and one DVD of the programs, so that you have clean copies one of the operating system and one of the programs. Windows XP is an operating system with which you get a system CD with, but if you do not have a copy of the operating system, you should contact Microsoft before you start the operating system.