I am just reformating my C:\ drive (my local disc) on a Windows XP Pro PC. This PC is not new and the drive has been previously formatted.
I go to 'My Computer' and on the icon for the C:\ drive I right click and on the options that come up I select 'Format'. A box comes comes up which lets you select the capacity, file system, allocation unit size and volume label. All are already filled in with the correct details. Then I click on 'Start'. What exactly would happen, I am aware it would wipe clean my C:\ drive but will I have to have a Windows XP Pro CD and will I have to reinstall my OS and drivers etc. Because all I want to do is wipe my C:\ drive clean not my entire PC.

Greetings,

Your windows operating system is the frame for what you see on your computer. By wiping your C drive clean, which is the one your system is installed onto, you would be completely destroying all data on it. Making a clean slate so to speak. Wiping your C: drive clean is wiping your entire disk.

To save vital information, move it to a CD/DVD/USB Flashdisk or external hard drive.

I'm not positive, but my gut says you cant format while the Operating System is still up. You'll need to do it through a recovery disc, which is how I do mine.

Since the format program is part of Windows, you can't erase it, while it's working. And yes, you will need a disc to re install/ and or wipe the drive.

A key thing to remember is that formatting is always a last resort. Now, problems most surely jump straight to it if they fall within certain circumstances.

How many Hard Drives do you have in the computer?

Let us know if you have any other questions. Take care!

EDIT: I just re read this, and I noticed my scatter brained attempt to explain. Please call me out on anything you don't understand. =D

Welcome to the PCHF akmisonline

In addition to East Cost Lightning's response, please check out this link here. It's a guide on how to reinstall Windows.

Hope it helps.
Windows XP Professional Install Guide Page 1