I have had some PROBLEMS recently trying to reinstall windows xp. I want to reinstall my operating system and start from SCRATCH but my system completely turns off when I try.
I have the original OS disc that came with my computer and the product key as well.

Here is what happens:
1- turn on the comp with the CD in the drive
2- A series of blue screens pop up and the disc is spinning
3- it asks me if I want to repair or & press R or (start new) press ESC.
4- I press Esc. and it asks about partitioning the drive and somewhere around this point or the next step the machine just shuts off

It is not over heating it just happens at this spot all the time - if I don't try and reinstall it just keeps running so like I said it is not an overheating issue.

How can I get past & through this to reinstall my windows xp

Please help
SerenityGently clean that CD with a lint free cloth...
If it still does this you may have to run chkdsk /r on that hard drive.
This can be done by loading the Recovery Console from the XP CD...I tried the lint free cloth - didn't work-

Would it MAKE a difference if I try and install in safe mode? the whole reason I'm doing this is due to a recent virus I can't get rid of

How do I LOAD the Recovery Console from the XP?i dont think a regular virus could infect your pc that hard it screws fresh installs, but if i were you i would first do a low-level format with Hirens BootCD http://www.hiren.info/pages/bootcd

wait - before you try low-level (it takes long) try a regular one first. make a clean format before you choose to delete and reinstall windows.

if this fails, try ANOTHER install cd of any OS and see if it works.