Hard drive format problem

[Jon33]

I am having a problem formatting my hard drive (Windows XP). I go through the set up and get onto the partition page where I go to click "D" to get rid of the one its currently on and reinstall it but an error message comes up saying it can't delete it because it contains necessary files for installation. If I try to make a new partition it wont do that either because it contains files also. Any ideas how I can format?

Cheers

 

[IAmATeaf]

Did you fire setup from within the OS, if you did then try booting up off the actual CD/DVD and it should let you reformat.

 

[Jon33]

Right that sorted it thanks, one thing any idea how to stop the safely remove hardware icon coming up asking if I want to remove my HD?