I've just received (free of charge) a top spec Apple MacBook Pro. My intention was to use Bootcamp to partition the hard disk drive and install Windows XP so I can run my favourite emulators etc.

However, it appears the hard disk drive has already been partitioned (according to the help support desk the partition is to create a 'data disk' for the purposes of system recovery, and if I remove this partition I void my warranty for technical help and support).

Frankly, I don't care about this (my university paid for the laptop anyway). I just want this partition removed/erased so I can proceed with bootcamp.

Ideally, using the Mac OS install discs, I'd like to do a complete re-installation of Mac OS that also resets the hard disk to a single partition along the way. I've already attempted to do this but unfortunately all I did was re-install the OS onto its original partition.

If anyone knows how to re-install Mac OS while restoring the hard disk to a single partition, some step by step instructions would be much appreciated.

Thanks.