An easier answer is maybe or no...

The LARGE OEMs generally have a different way of doing things than a
small OEM shop or a home computer builder.
Since you have a LARGE OEM built machine, you should investigate their
way before doing anything.  (Their ways have changed over the years, so
there is no "one size fits all" answer.)

At the very least, you need to find out if they have any hidden partitions with
special technical stuff on your HD... If you have that, and you erase it, that
is where most people get into trouble...
If the machine came with restore disks, I would look for instructions about
how to use those particular ones.
Disclaimer: I am not a specialist on that type of machine. I am a small OEM,
and home builder...

In any event, save your important stuff outside the computer "any way you can".
What you are talking about will likely make "everything" disappear...

                                              Rick Glazier

CC: For speed only, please keep replies (if any) on list.

From: CSThomas
> Could someone please tell me is the formatting procedure of the HD   the same 
> on a Compaq (Win XP) as it would be on a Dell (Win  XP).   Harriet

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