dban is about the best way to wipe it DBAN. when you re-install xp it will depend of which version you have, you may have to also install the service packs if you want to bring it up to date, if you have basic xp then you will have sp1,sp2 and possibly sp3 to get installed, doing each one individually and rebooting fully in between each. Or you can just wipe it clean and give it away along with the original discs so the person receiving it can do it themselves or put some other os on it. If you are donating the pc I think I would wipe it clean and then donate it as is with the original discs, they may want linux on it instead of windows or may want another windows version, plus less work for you. Geek to Live: How to format your hard drive and install Windows XP from scratch

And, can I access, and work on, files from the backup site from anywhere? How would they get back to my office computers if, say, I'm in Florida, work a file from my laptop and get back to work, will the updated file be on my office PC? I hope I worded that right ...

urlee the difference between the cd and getting it through your windows update is that with the cd you get the full install with windows update it is supposed to check your pc and give you just what you need but it seems more of the problems are happening to people who use windows update, so they are urging people to use one of the full methods. Now it could be that people using windows updates are not turning off all their antivirus and firewall and spyware protection when doing it that way which is definitely advised, when those things are not disabled first real issues can arise. However a word of caution, just because you use the cd does not mean or guarantee there will not be problems. The problem that is specific to people with AMD processors for example HAS to be addressed and the patch applied before any install of sp3 or those issues will happen. So it still means you have to do your homework and find out what has to be done to your pc prior to install if you choose to install it. Which is why we highly suggest backing up everything you do not want to lose or create an image of your system just in case the worst happens.

I use 'Acronis True Image'with a desktop and an external drive. The Acronis 'Secure Zone'(backup) is on the external. In fact, had some problems today and restored my entire drive in about 20 minutes. You can use Acronis 'Snap Restore' which will allow you to start using the drive while it is backing up (backs up critical system files while you're working). It's not free but the time it has saved me in restoring my PC was well worth the price. Witz You can buy it online or 'box'version at one of the major stores. Here is a link that might be useful: Acronis True Image 10