I've tried googleing this, but I'm trying to format an old Dell laptop I have and give it to my cousin.

I've tried and tried, but I can't find a way. Does anyone know how to format a Dell laptop?

 

Formatting a computer is pretty standard no matter what type it is. What you do need to look for the drivers for the specific model including ethernet, wireless, display etc. because none of the components will work without the right drivers.

This should help - How to Format a Computer: How to Format a Computer, Reinstall Windows, Wipe Data

 

Are you trying to restore it to factory settings or wipe it clean? If it is A, then you should have a disk to restore it to (I don't think Dell has the restore option on a hard drive partition... but I'm not 100% sure). If it is B, then again you should have no trouble with a Windows disk to blow it up. I've never really had an issue with my Dell (or any other computer) for this kind of thing. Just make sure you download any drivers you might need for the system before you nuke it.