Hi dgebala,
The re-format process will wipe the computer's hard drive clean, destroying all data and programs installed, so please make sure you back-up all data before re-formatting
the computer's hard drive. This includes address books, email accounts, documents, music, settings, saved games, and anything else not obsolete.
here is some information to help you
http://www.microsoft.com/protect/yourse ... ackup.mspxDont forget Items like Hardware Drivers, and the Key Codes and media so you can install any software that you may have installed now
Physically unplug the computer from the Internet before re-formatting.
Do not go back online untill you are protected by a hardware firewall, NAT router, or a software firewall, and have Installed a ANTIVIRUS, or you can be infected in a few seconds of going back online,
Then visit the windows updates and download install all Critical updates, keep revisting untill all are downloaded and installed.
If you are going to need help with the reformat there are some good general forums that would be able to helpComputer Trouble here:
http://forum.computertrouble.co.uk/index.phpor
TechSupportGuy here :
http://forums.techguy.org/21-windows-nt-2000-xp/or
VirtualDr here:
http://discussions.virtualdr.com/forumdisplay.php?f=48or
PCPitStop here :
http://forums.pcpitstop.com/index.php?showforum=3All may require you to register free before posting for help.