First, lock the doors and keep out interruptions. Put something soothing in the stereo. Keep coffee, cigarettes, Prozac, whatever, handy. If you need to, and if you can access the system, back up every file you don't want to lose. Make sure you have the installation disks for all of your apps, and you've copied your data files on CD, floppy, tape, or something. If you have a restore or recover floppy from your manufacturer, chances are there's a way to reformat your hard disk using this floppy. Reboot the computer using this disk and find out. But, if not, or if you don't have such a wonder disk, then, at the C: prompt, force yourself to type that most feared of all commands:

FORMAT C: /u
(The /u switch makes the format "unconditional," and facilitates the removal of everything.

Your PC, like HAL9000, knows you're about to lobotomize it and gives you several chances to change your mind. Answer all the "are you sure" questions and accompanying dire warnings with "Y" for "God help me, yes." Finally, the warnings will cease and the computer will begin reformatting your drive. Sit back and enjoy the whirring of your machine as it systematically plows every bit of data on your drive back into the ground. After that's done, reinstall Windows according to the information above, using either your CD or floppies. Then start reinstalling your programs, one by one. (Make sure to run each of your apps after installing them, to ensure that they run properly.) Remind yourself that you've increased your system's speed and efficiency by scrubbing it clean and starting from scratch.

Now that you've done this heinous thing, visit my Reinstalling and Restoring Windows page to figure out what to do with your newly purged machine.

An excellent Web site for info on reformatting and repartitioning your hard disk is at members.aol.com/weendoggy/. The page is a little wiggy, but the info is solid. The owner is currently updating his page, so if you find it hopelessly dated, give it a chance.
 

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