How can I backup and clear a hard drive of Windows XP?

I want to install Debian Sarge on the drive!

Hey!
You can backup your hard drive manually or use hard drive cloning software...
Refer this thread : http://forums.techarena.in/tips-tweaks/1074794.htm To install debain sarge you will need its bootable disk...! Boot from CD ROM and format the partition that you will be using for debain sarge with ext3 partition and select the mount point "/". Then also create a swap partition at least of 1GB... All the best...!

Have you searched on google for the same querrie? http://www.aboutdebian.com/install31.htm

To Backup Windows XP:

1. Click Start, point to All Programs, point to Accessories, point to System Tools, and then click Backup to start the wizard.

2. Click Next to skip past the opening page, choose Back up files and settings from the second page, and then click Next. then select what you want to back up.

you want to install Debian Sarge in SATA Disk,it is very simple. First go to CMOS
setup and set the SATA Disk Primary in Individual option or Compatible option. Now the system install software very fine.