Wiping HD clean and reloading Windows Me

[Rayp]

Will someone out there please advise me in simple terms how to wipe my computer clean and how to reload Windows Me.
The reason is I am having frequent problems with corruption and advised by local computer shop to wipe it all off, then to reinstall everything. I have been quoted £75 for him to do it, which I do not want to pay. Incidentally I am a pensioner of 74 but feel quite able to follow instructions.
my computer is as follows: 950 Duron. 40Gb HD. 256Mb Ram. K7S5a M/board. with CD RW, DVD/R, Floppy Drive, 15"TFT. using Windows Me and Microsoft Office 2000.

I would appreciate help so I may do the job here at home.

 

[Osiris]

Just usr your Windows ME cd. Boot from it, and when it starts to go thru setup, it will find a previous version of Windows ME on it, then you can delete it and then format it. Then ME will install, just follow thru the instructions

 

[straightv6]

Personally I would upgrade to xp while you're at it.

 

[Rayp]

Hey Warez Monster I am impressed by the speed of response to my query. When I do as you advise, will I lose the programs that are already loaded ie, Office 2000 and my documents ? Thanks Rayp.

 

[Osiris]

Yes you will. Everything

 

[RicoDirenzo]

Save your word documents to a floppy. Then do the reformat/reinstall.

 

[Rayp]

Grateful thanks Warez Monster and RicoDirenzo for your input, it is precisely what I want in wiping "everything" off the HD. I have now saved my documents to disc as the first stage. I will shortly organize myself to begin the next stage with Win Me disc.
I wish you fellows lived next door with the knowledge you clearly have. Thanks Ray. Incidentally I worked for Carborundum Co.