Format hard drive without operating system

Hello,

The Windows installation CD includes a basic partitioning utility. If it doesn't suit you, you can turn to Gparted, which does the same thing but offers much more extensive options.

Be careful, formatting a disk erases all data, including Windows and programs!

Yes, I'm aware of that, but I have a problem: I put the XP CD in, and the computer does the same thing as usual, meaning it beeps and asks me to choose an operating system when there isn’t one.

Good evening, the question is not very precise. The goal is to completely format the hard drive to reset it to factory settings? If it's to reinstall Windows on it, then you just need to start the installation. There will be the option to format before installing.

Are you sure you have placed the boot sequence as follows:

1. CD
2. HDD
3. ...

Basically, I take the Windows XP install CD and there’s something on the menu to format.

I need more details. I don't know where the boot problem is coming from because the situation is still too unclear...

What kind of precision do you want?

The exact model of your PC
What you want to do
What is the initial system of this PC
...

- Exact model: Siemens Nikdorf (old computer)
- I tried Ubuntu, Xubuntu and now I want to install Puppy Linux on my desktop computer, initially it had Windows 98 but I accidentally deleted some Windows files
- I "found" this computer, it had no initial system

Ok thank you. It's now clearer when you know the final objective!

Have you already burned the ISO image of your Linux distribution?