drastic measures!!!

[ant]

How do i format a hard drive, but pref keep windows installed like a "factory reset"

Also is it possible to stop, and perminantly disable non system running processes.
Basically my dad/bros pc is broke. cant fix it, by the time everything thats started running when windows startsup, it then wont let me click any folders, ie cant click my comp or cont panel or any desktop icons!

[xpgeek]

Yes you can permanently stop unneeded service. See my guide to which ones you can disable here, Windows XP Services Guide (http://www.experiencewindows.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1075)

[ant]

thanks xpgeek ill take a look.
Does it include all the startup programmes that arent windows based, ie all the stuff my bro has mistakenly set up?

[xpgeek]

My guide there is only for services. To see what a particular startup entry is or what program is likely to have placed it see here : Startup Applications List (http://www.sysinfo.org/startuplist.php)