Reformatting problem

I've been trying to reformat now for a bit.  I have Windows 7 on my machine but it was the upgrade so I know I have to reformat Vista first then add the W7 upgrade.  My problem is, right after I get to the part about "hit any key ..." I hit a key and it goes to Windows Loading files.  Seems normal, except for after the loading bar gets done I get taken to a blank, black screen with just a single arrow cursor in the middle.  It sits here for a long time and doesn't seem to be doing anything.  Any ideas?  This was me following the Dell tech guy's directions.  He just said he'd call me back in an hour or so.