Based on the original poster's comments, it looks like he's answered his own question.
As an alternative, consider using the Windows Easy Transfer tool to save documetns and settings, then use the 'clean install' option, finally re-run the Windows Easy Transfer tool to restore documents and settings.
Better still, get the Windows 7 RC and install that instead.
Vista's 'clean install' actually doesn't do a clean install. It will move the existing installation to a folder called Windows.old, where you'll be able to access all your documents. Sometimes, if you don;t have a lot of programs to reinstall, this is easier than using Easy Transfer, you can just drag'n'drop your files back to the new My Documents folder.