Older Compac laptop repairs?

[Half Squid]

So I have a nice but older laptop I just don't want to throw out, but do not want to dump $ into it, or very much $.

The HD is toast, is this easy to replace on my own?
I have all the original disks, windows, etc. Is that easy to install with little PC experience?

I have a nice New dell inspiron and using that, so this is just an extra, but would like it running.

Thanks in advance.

[noxin]

Yeah, you should be able to pick up a harddrive from newegg/microcenter for it cheap

Cheapest at MC is 160G for 64.99

Just use the original restore/install CDs and rebuild it, should be quite easy.

[Jim]

dont use the original driver disk. get the updated drivers from support.hp.com

[noxin]

isn't that windows update is for?

[Jim]

dont rely on Microsoft to provide drivers for an HP product. i'll stick to using microsoft's updates on microsoft software.

[TheIglu]

Mike,

You'll need to find out if the old drive is PATA or SATA. Don't buy one until you do.

Newegg.com for a new drive, don't go more than 60GB for an old machine. Once you get it, pop it in, put in the CD's and away you go.

[noxin]

Mike,

You'll need to find out if the old drive is PATA or SATA. Don't buy one until you do.

Newegg.com for a new drive, don't go more than 60GB for an old machine. Once you get it, pop it in, put in the CD's and away you go.

True that, but given the age referenced (older), I thought it was safe to assume an IDE/PATA drive which is why I linked one for him.

[gadget]

I have an old Sony TR2AP Viao (about 7-8 years old) that uses a 1.8 IDE drive.

It is really best to remove the old drive and verify that you are purchasing an exact replacement before hitting that "Buy" button.