Mouse and keyboard should be recognized automatically, so by pressing F12 you will get the boot menu, select the XP CD...

All will work fine.

It should go fine . . if you need, You can get a reinstallation guide specific to your Dell here
http://support.dell.com/support/topics/global.aspx/support/software_reinstall/en/index?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs&~ck=mn

This is a great guide for reinstalling on a Dell:  http://www.djdenham.com/Install%20Procedures.htm

This is a site that walks you thru a simulated XP installation:
http://www.echoproject.net/en/software/catalog.html

These are good guides to reinstalling XP . . you might want to print one for reference during the install.

http://www.techsupportforum.com/articles-tutorials-reviews/new-article-submissions/209975-full-format-reinstall-windows-guide.html
http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase/windowsxp_sg_clean.asp
http://www.socrtwo.info/cleanxpinstall.htm
http://www.theeldergeek.com/xp_home_install_-_graphic.htm

i bought a dell laptop on 2006.  now i feel it is slow.

i wanna format and reinstall the WinXP

when you guys say reinstall, it is similar to format and install WinXP, right?

thanks in advance

Right

thanks for your prompt reply