How Can I Format an HP Laptop with Windows XP if It Has a Virus?

[Sirsh]

Hey all,

I need help formatting a HP laptop, it's running windows XP. it has a virus on it that's made me not able to system restore, connect to the internet, remove programs, delete the file its in, or right click on the harddrive and try to format it that way.

Does anyone have any ideas how I could do this?

Thanks.

 

[schip666!]

Look up "Safe Mode", there should be a function key that you press at boot time that forces the computer to boot up in a limited mode where you may be able to restore or delete the files that are troublesome. Otherwise, if you have or can get the original XP install disks you can boot from them and re-groove the whole machine. If possible, in regular or safe mode, try to backup important data files because all will be lost when you re-install.