I have an old PC running Windows ME that I want to give away.  I have downloaded onto a floppy a program to erase that hard drive before I get rid of it.  Please tell me how to boot that computer using the floppy disk so that I can execute the program.Brenda.

Which program is this ? ?
A WinME bootdisk available for free on the web at bootdisk.com will create a bootable floppy that has all the TOOLS you need.
DLoad the file and double-click it to create the floppy.
Then start the machine with the floppy in and it will end up with a black screen with an A:
Type in  "format C: /U and hit Enter.
This will erase the drive.

For added peace of mind you could also run FDisk on that first and then format. If you need instructions let us know...we'll be here.

patio.   8-)The software that I have downloaded onto the floppy is the free version of "KILLDISK".

I did try to RESTART the machine with the new floppy in the drive.  I got a black screen with THREE options, one of which I have forgotten at the moment.  Those that I remember were Retry or Cancel.

I do have a WinME boot floppy that I made when I first got the computer.  It was just my understanding that the "killdisk" software would do a more thorough job of erasing the hard drive.

Thanks for any guidance you might offer.It's true that killdisk will be more thorough...but why not just throw a new HDD in there ? ?
I never give a machine away with a HDD i have used...i have every HDD i've EVER owned.Boot with the bootdisk. Then put in the floppy with Killdisk and run it.Unless you are giving your computer to a technical genius, a normal format should be fine.I want to say thanks to all of you for offering your suggestions about helping me boot from a floppy.  I have been on a journey I don't soon want to repeat but I have certainly learned lots in the process.You're more than Welcome...stop by anytime !

patio.  8-)