tried to format computer and wont reload windows xp disc. screen goes blank

martin, June 2011

I agree with Peccavi.
After formating your drive, even if the operation failed, the root directory got destroyed. That drive can no longer be used as a boot unit untill you reinstall Windows XP on your system.

Electro, June 2011

Your machine may be trying to "boot" from the (empty) hard disk - you may need to tell the BIOS to boot from the CD drive to load the software from the media.

Peccavi, June 2011

Hello Martin!

It's better to check first if the hard disk was detected by your cmos during startup. This will let you know if hard disk is still accessible. If cmos failed to detect your hard drive, it means its on its last leg and need to be replaced.

If windows xp won't reload, it is having difficulty reading the hard disk. You should replace the hard disk.

Gadgetgeek, June 2011