Do I need to format the hard drive to get the system to reload XP?

Question by : Do I need to format the hard drive to get the system to reload XP?
“I have a an older HP desktop that came preloaded with XP. The hard drive had 2 partitions on it. I kept getting the BSOD so I completely wiped the files off of the1 partition and left the 2nd partition with the factory preloaded files alone. Now when I start the computer, it begins the recovery but then stops and gives me another BSOD Stop Error. I made the partition with the preloaded files the primary and “Active” part of the hard drive and also ran a scan over it to make sure there were no broken or corrupt files. It says all is good but I’m still missing something I guess. Any Help?”
Mother Board is fine and I’ve pulled the heat sink, cleaned it, (wasn’t really dirty) and applied fresh thermal paste. Still get “Stop c000021a Fatal Systems” Error msg.

Best answer:

Answer by RIPPIR
Could be defective hardware (RAM, Motherboard, PSU, etc)

or

overheating (use air duster to remove dust from heatsinks and fans).

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