Hal..my first laptop is a Dell..and when I started doing explorations into it..I found that in Explorer, most of the system files were hidden. I had to and still have to check to make sure they aren't hidden, such as when I do a search for a file..I have to make sure it checks hidden files. I guess Dell sets it up thinking we're all newbies when we get our laptops..or sumthin'. LOL Jackie In a message dated 12/29/2005 7:41:36 PM Eastern Standard Time, hdbrown@xxxxxxxxx writes: I've never seen a 'hidden' folder on a Dell. You do not have to format the HD before installing Win XP. It will be formated during the installation. Strongly suggest you format it using NTFS.