formating for xp and vista

Hello I just got a new dell xps laptop that i wanted to format to remove all the programs that come preinstalled. How can I go about this? Also I want to format my old laptop a dell latitude running windows xp. Whats the deal with ntfs and do I need partitions or can i just have 1? I don't know much about this stuff, thanks.

 

Nice new laptop man. I jealous .

The easiest way would be to just remove the programs like any other program, then go into MSCONFIG and deselect any startup process or service that doesn't belong to Microsoft or a program you want.

The more effective method would be a clean install. Your ability to easily do this would depend on what install discs/O.S.'s you have/plan to use. Whether you only have a recovery disc from Dell or a full retail install disk from Microsoft.

Just pop in the XP install disc and let the installer walk you through the work. It will format the partition for you.

Read this guide for a more thorough way of installing/tweaking:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=81828

You only need one partition if you are just using one operating system. However some people like using two. One for Windows & one to store your important files. The benefit to that is that if Windows is to ever become corrupt, it won't be a hassle to retrieve your files.

 

thank you very much