Marlene:
It sounds like what you want to do is a clean installation of Windows XP (in other words, you want to wipe the hard drive clean and install XP without upgrading Windows Me). When you boot to the Windows XP CD, choose the clean install (not the upgrade) option, if it is available.
For advice on how to do this, check out these Microsoft links:
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/setup/expert/honeycutt_02october07.mspxhttp://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;316941These Web pages explain the pros and cons of a clean installation and compares this method to upgrading.
To see if your computer hardware is up to letting Windows XP get into the driver's seat (i.e. to see if it is compatible with XP) then go to this Microsoft link:
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/upgrading/before.mspxMost important are the "Check Your System Requirements" and the "Make Sure Your Hardware and Software Are Compatible" URLs on this Web page.
To see if your BIOS needs a flash upgrade, you should check your motherboard manufacturer's or computer maker's Web site. If one *is* needed, you may download it, but i'd recommend having someone who knows about computers flash the BIOS for you, as doing it wrong will make your computer inoperable.
You may also need to download software drivers to install after Windows XP is up and running. You may be able download these from the motherboard or computer manufacturers' Web sites as well.
Regards,
Doc