i want to format my HD so it keeps the OS and nothing else like it was when i bought it (so i lose all the unneeded stuff and start over). can i do it somehow?
Insert your disc from the that came with your computer and do a manual install. Just install the OS and download the drivers from your system builders website.
And be prepared to wait, and wait and wait.......
You'll have to post your OS if you want detailed instructions.
Either way, it indeed includes re-installing your OS, unless every single thing is in another partition that you can format via My Computer.
You dont.