System restore (by 11 users)

I tried the first solution but my pc kept making a noise I help for about 200 seconds

if you just want to restore your system to a previous state, when the system was good then i prefer you to use windows system restore.
go to Start-All Programs-Accesories-System tools-System Restore

then you can choose to which state you wanted to reverse your system to. but if you want a new / clean installation of your system than you should do as the other solution.

You can reset the computer to the factory defaults by re-installing windows from the disc provided by your manufacturer.

Put the Windows CD in the CD drive and reboot the computer. When the computer starts up, hit F12. Then choose to boot the CD-ROM. The Windows Install process will then begin.

Follow the the prompts through out the install. When given the choice, choose to erase the current install, erase and reformat the drive, and re-install on a fresh NTFS quick formatted partition.

NOTE: Make sure you back up all your data before performing this action, as resetting the computer deletes all files and programs.

Could i just add that, you may not have system cd that came with your pc, but, most manufacturers, especially in the UK now have a system restore image of your pc on another partition, which brings your pc back to it's original state.

In which case make sure you back up any documents and settings to a cd or dvd disc.