Formatting new hard disc. HELP

[Robocop]

I've just built my first PC but I've come to a halt.

I can't install Windows XP as it appears I got to format my new hard disc first. How do I go about this?

[bob]

Windows XP gives the the option of formating the hard drive full format or quick format. If its new I would do the full format.

[Robocop]

Bob
The problem is I can't boot from xp installation disc. I get an error message.

[EvoCarl]

whats the error its showing?

also make sure you change the boot up order to cd/hd so the pc searches for the cd on boot, press a key when asked and your away.

[phill-type-r]

Sorry guys have been away for a little bit from the site... Not good :(

Robocop, if you havent already solved the problem mate and you have another PC that you can use whilst installing the other, please feel free to give me a shout and I will talk you through it.

If not, tell me what's the problem (if it has changed) and I will talk you through what it is you need to do :wink:

Bob is correct so you shouldnt have any problems formatting when installing XP. If the Bios isnt set correctly to boot from CD/DVD etc, then you'll need to change it.

Normally this is done by pressing the del key when the PC is first turned on when its giving you, CPU speed, ram, IDE devices attached etc...
I'd guess (as I have no idea what motherboard your using and they can all be real different) it'll be in the first 2 maybe 3 menu's on the left hand side of the Bios screen.
Please feel free to give me a shout if you have any problems :) MSN is normally the easiest way to get me :)