There is a menu that offers access only during the initial setup stage. One of the "F" buttons gets you into it and it should be briefly on the bottom of the screen soon after your computer turns on but before the desktop screen comes up. Look for "FORMAT" or "REFORMAT" and carefully read the help section. It's always a good idea to set up a backup disk before reformatting the hard drive and be sure you have the original Windows OS disk (the one with the serial numbers on the booklet). You also might want to ask Dell about anything you might need to watch for while reformatting your hard drive.

good luck and don't let this hunk of metal and plastic intimidate you!