reformating

So I have computer laying around and it's pretty infested with malware, spyware, ect.. So I'm looking to reinstall xp. I tried once and it said that the version on there was a more recent version of xp and wouldn't let me reinstall,so the first thing I thought is to do a reformat of the HD and do it that way, but I thought I should check here just in case there was an easier way.
So any thoughts or ideas or should I got for the format.

>>9
No shit. But Ubuntu's ease of use means that it's accessible to average users as well, so if you want bragging rights, you'll have to avoid it.
Can't have your cake and eat it too.