Compaq deskpro linux 3?

accessing the bios - when the computer first starts and has the black screen, there should be a small msg in the corner (bottom left I think) that gives you an option to press a Function key or Esc to access the settings/bios/whatever Compaq calls it. Press that key and it shoudl take you to the bios setup. There should also be an option to press a key to temporarily change the boot order. If that is present, you don't need to go into the bios. YOu can format the harddisk and install XP.