I already have xp but want to do a clean install over.Have read some threads suggesting just putting xp cd in and letting it run, while others suggest formatting drive then booting from the xp cd.If I want the drive reformatted which procedure is best?

Well you can do both at same time. Incert CD, boot comptuer, and make sure your 1st boot device is CD-Rom.Then when you get to options delete partitions from that HD, select the HDand it will give you options. Select NTFS Full unless you are gonna access file from Dos or Win98.