dell install problems

[Kit Stube <unixhelp@iwu.edu>]

Hi, i am trying to help a friend install debian on his dell inspiron 8000
laptop and the machiene will hard lock when trying to format the partition
(or create them)

i've installed debian on a few dozen computers before and 3.0r1 has always
worked for me in the past (usually this exact disc) so i am uncertian as
to what to do.  it seems like (on linuxlaptops.net at least) that
installing linux on one of these is fairly straitforward (and since it
currently has redhat on it i know it can be done) so does anyone have any
thoughts as to what is going on here that would cause this hard lock?

thanks for your time