How can I format my master hard disk in Vista?

[Sailor Mike]

I have having an intermittent problem in that my laptop will not start. I do have a set of recovery DVD disks.
What do I do to wipe the hard drive and reinstall the windows operating system?

 

[ksiemb]

I have having an intermittent problem in that my laptop will not start. I do have a set of recovery DVD disks.
What do I do to wipe the hard drive and reinstall the windows operating system?

Rather drastic measure, unless you have already tried other solutions to correct the problem, Like a Windows system restore, or Safe mode, last known good configurartion.

Don't "wipe" the hard drive, - Just follow instructions in your recovery process.