Hi everyone, because of some complications, I have to format my old computer's hard drive. I've had some experience in formatting, but in this case, there are some new issues.

1: I have a VOIP phone service, so that computer essentially provides the phone line.
2: I have a wireless network, that computer has the main router.
3: I'm currently using another computer with a wireless adapter.

I'm pretty confident in what to do, but with such huge risks, I want to make sure I'm doing everything right. I know that I need to unplug everything except for the mouse and keyboard in order for the format to work, but I just want some clarifications.

1: I've never formatted a computer using regular Windows XP. Is there really any difference between that and a computer running XP Media Center Edition?

2: After I format, do I just re-install all of the other features like the CD for my ISP, phone, etc.?

3: What would I do if something goes completely wrong?

Thanks everyone.

Firstly, if there is any important data on that drive, be sure to back it up.

There is hardly any difference between XP and Media Edition - just a new theme and the Media Centre, which is really just an added program.

The only thing you would need to do is reinstall everything. Of course, you will also need to reconfigure it [usernames, passwords, etc].

The worst that can go wrong is the format or rarley, Windows XP install may fail. However, this has never happened to me, and just reformatting again will solve it.

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Yeah, I already made sure to back everything up. Thanks for the advice, you basically told me exactly what I wanted to hear.

No problem, that is what we are here for - here to help!

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why use media centre when you can get media portal. the free easy to use opensource media centre. it even has a mce theme.

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It probably came with his PC.
............................

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ok fair enough. well just back up your files, and the windows install will do the complicated bits

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