Setheus

Hey guys,

This is my first post, so first and foremost I wanted to say hello.

Ok, now to my question

I recently had an issue with my computer that resulted in me having to buy a new OS. I went to Staples and picked up Windows Vista. When I got home, I did the normal thing I usually do when I reformat (I wanted to start fresh) and booted from the cd rom drive. When I tried to do this, I got to the windows screen and entered my windows key...it said that I could only do this from an existing version of Windows. I didnt realize it, but the box I bought said upgrade on it...but all of the boxes were like this. Anyways, since I couldn't get into Windows properly, I had to run this from the dos prompt.

My intention was to completely whipe out my existing partition and install a clean version of windows. I wanted it to be like Windows was just coming out of the box. Instead, Windows installed and and kept my old files (I think) and just named it old. Does this sound familiar? It said I would not be able to use my old operating system but the files were still there?

My question is...How can I do what I mentioned above. Completely whipe out my computer and make it so I have a brand new computer with Windows Vista installed on it. I should have 500 gigs left on the HD, but instead, I have about 380. This has to be because of all those old files. Is there a way to safely get rid of them? Or how does that whole deal work? Can I grab old files from that? I really don't care about the old files, I just want to start fresh.

Ok, sorry about over explaining. I am just anxious to see if anyone knows of any solution. Thank you so much!

-S