thanks I will give it a go, thanks again for your help

Yes I have a authentication number, but have had to download a copy of the actual xp disk as my brother in law didnt get one with his thinkpad, thanks

I have downloaded a copy of windows xp and I want to reformat the hard drive as my brother has a thinkpad which was his old work one, it has lots of networks set up and he cannot remember a single password for any of them, what is the easiest way of doing this, any help would be gratefully received,...