I am reformatting my hard drive using the Win 2000pro installation disk, but I cannot seem to get beyond 80% complete and the computer FREEZES. It is the same whether I use the "repair" section or go straight to "install".

Any ideas?this sounds daft......reload the disk//clean it first....now place it in the drive a twist it.....a quarter of a turn
...why are you reloading the system......is it due to viruses/worms.....run a hard disk check........seagate/maxtor.....diagnostic programs.....Obtain diagnostic software from your HDD manufacturer to check HDD integrity.Tried the disk thing - still no joy.
Reason for formatting is that windows stopped loading for some reason. I tried to repair/install over and ENDED up with 2 versions of windows, one working the other not. However the working one could not access any of the programmes and I was faced with duplicating these as well. Also, it had a lot of junk files, so having read that it was an easy job (and that some people reformat regulally - can you believe!) it seemed like a good idea at the time.
How do you go about the disk check you referred to?what hardisk have you got........my bet is  it a maxtor.....quantum fireball.....>>http://www.maxtor.com/portal/site/Maxtor/menuitem.3c67e325e0a6b1f6294198b091346068/?channelpath=/en_us/Support/Software%20Downloads/ATA%20Hard%20Drives&downloadID=57I can see now why you are called Merlin!!

I downloaded the programme, restarteted the computer with the floppy and hey presto, it all worked like magic. In 20 mins, I had formated the hard disk and reloaded windows.

I can't thank you enough

you MAY have found that your hard drive had bad blocks/sectors on it....i would if you can  afford it >>is to invest in a seagate  hard drive.....they are a little but more reliable...tip!