I have wrote a Windows Reinstallation Guide which may be found here: [URL] See A Clean Install of Windows Vista It should take you through it step by step.    
hello I have an old Vostro 1700 and I would like to format the hd and re-install Vista; however since it is something really new to me I fear I could make mistakes and get stuck in the middle of the process . . . In additionaI wonder whether my laptop is  too old for this.    I visited many sites but I'm still not sure regarding the backup and re-installation of the program and drives.  For example I've heard that the drives should be re-installed according to a certain sequence. . . . Is there anyone who can give me a list to follow or maybe a good link?  thanks for any help or advise you can provide! Giancarlo
format HD and re-install windows vista