Rescue and Recovery CDs/Formatting/Fresh Install Question

[somemale]

I know this has been asked to death, but I have searched for over an hour and couldnt find a clear answer...

I have a X40 that has been running really slow lately, and want to do a fresh install. I have the IBM Rescue and Recover and Product Recovery CD's (7cds total) that were sent to me from IBM a few years back when I had hard drive problems.

When I run these CD's, does it format my hard drive at the same time? I backed up everything already, so I want my computer to be running just like when I opened it out of the box....
If these CD's don't format my hard drive, what is the best way to go about doing this?

Sorry if it is a newbie question, however this is my first time formatting a hard drive and want to make sure it is done correctly.

Thanks!

[b]MOD EDIT:[/b] Sorry I messed up, I was splitting another thread but split yours by mistake, the replies to your thread can be found here: http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?t=57886