basic question about xp install

during a fresh install, when you boot from the disk. eventually it will show you what drives you have. If you delete the partition you want to install it on, and then do the format (not quick format), is everything on the drive totally erased? That is, could there be anything on the drive that would give you a problem after the installation is complete? just want to know for my peace of mind, and to eliminate some variables. thanks!

yes- everything is gone when you format

so any software related problems you may have had have to be gone?

oh man computers can be a pain