Formatting C drive with recovery console

I have a Hp computer that has a recovery section on the hard drive. I have had this computer for about 2 years and would like to reformat the C drive but not the recovery section. If I do reformat the c drive will I still be able to use the recover section to reinstall all the programs and files like it was when I bought it new. I tried the recovery and it worked but it just installed over what was still there. I want a fresh install withl all the last two years of data wiped clean. I have search the forum and did not find a clear answer, so please excuse if I am duplicating someone else topic. Thanks

 

These are the supported commands through any Windows XP CD, the Recovery Console as you can see below "format" is one of them:

Available commands
HELP
Use the help command to list all the following supported commands: attrib del fixboot more set
batch delete fixmbr mkdir systemroot
bootcfg dir --->format<--- more type
cd disable help net
chdir diskpart listsvc rd
chkdsk enable logon ren
cls exit map rename
copy expand md rmdir

 

For most recovery you should just be able to run the recovery section and it should offer the option to reformat the c drive, if not just use fromat C: from the recovery disc which will only format C: not your recovery disc. Good luck