Hi, I was wondering if anyone could provide me with steps on how to delete XP from my laptop. Im preparing to do a clean install vista and I want to make sure I dont screw anything up.
Thanks in advance

Quite simple actually (provided you have backed up the data you want to keep): format. That is the only way to have a clean system to install Vista too...

I don't know from experience, but I'm quite certain that when you put your Vista installation cd in th computer you have the possebility to first (re)format your computer. Do that to start from the cleanest slate you can get.

just to add, you need to boot from the vista dvd, otherwise if you start in in xp, it will only allow you to upgrade

(i think format is in advanced options menu or something of that sort)

http://www.winsupersite.com/images/showcase/vista_install_06.jpg

the button would be on the right side of the window on your laptop (cant see there cuz drive is completely wiped already)

I heard that if you upgrade to vista from xp, the key for your XP is dead. Id rather delete my harddrive and then install vista. How would I  go about doing that? Would I just right click on my C: and then select format? Would my computer than boot up from the dvd drive automatically?
Thanks again and sorry for all the newb questions.

Put the dvd in and change the first boot device to cd/dvd and restart, then it should boot from the dvd.