I'd like to format my C: drive on my Dell Inspiron 4150 notebook. I've already made a backup CD of all the important files I'd like to put back onto the computer after formatting it. But I've never done a format before and I'm having some difficulties. I also have a few questions.

First off, I have 2 different disks that I will have to reinstall: The Windows XP disk and the Drivers, Utilities, and Applications Disk. I was wondering if someone could tell me which I should insert into the computer first, or if it matters which I do first after the formatting or clearing of the hard drive. I just don't want to screw anything up.

Also, I've already tried to format the computer but I continue to get this error:

Windows cannot format this drive. Quit any disk utilities or other programs that are using this drive, and make sure that no window is displaying the contents of the drive. Then try formatting again.

I've closed and exited all of the programs running on the computer (atleast that I know of) yet I continue to get this error. Does anyone have a solution to this problem? Or can anyone tell me another way I can format or clear the hard drive? (An easy way if possible; I'm not the most computer literate person).

Thank you very much,