Computer Reformat Hard Drive Help!!!!

[Hotsauce]

My computer has been getting very slow as of the past couple of months. It takes a long time to boot up and it has a hard time running multiple apps at once. I have up to date Norton 360, and run frequent scans. I do not suspect my computer has a virus. I understand that I probably should reformat my hard drive.

My Computer is an HP desktop and about 4 years old. I am running Windows XP. I have backed up everything on a separate hard drive.

Anyone have a good checklist of things to do pre-reformat?

Is there something else I could do myself to fix my computer?

Can someone refer me to step by step instructions to do this?

THANKS in advance!

[Darth Biscuit]

Have you un-installed any unnecessary programs? Have you run a defragment on the drive?

Prior to reformatting I may also look at a registry cleaner... those aren't for beginners, but if you're gonna format anyway, it can't hurt.

[Sultan33g]

i have this awesome anti virus software that doesnt strain your computer. If you need to go with one I would recommend this:http://www.eset.com/