Compaq Presario 1500 notebook

When I boot up:
  It goes directly to the boot selection screen ( black screen w/ white font asking to boot in "safe mode", "normal mode", "last correct configuration", etc)  

 When I chose any option it starts to boot then reverts back to this screen.

 I can access the system menu and did try to do a HHD test.  The test failed.

Should and how do I add a partition.  Will this allow me to reinstall windows and retreive existing files.

Thanks

BI can access the system menu and did try to do a HHD test.  The test failed???this concerns me.........have you GOT any recover disks.........if you have load them...Alright.... Here's what I'm not understanding... If you create a new partition, and reinstall Windows.... How will you get your old files back? Two.... It sou ds lie your had disk has failed..... It should either be fixed or replaced...

[glb]Flame[/glb]merlin,

 i don't have the recovery cd for xp.  It is my girlfriends laptop and she couldn't find it.

flame,
 I had a previous problem with my laptop where it would boot to the "loading your personal settings" box then jump directly to the "savings your personal settings"  box then shut down.  After many hours with dell they instructed me on how to create a partition.  I had 2 operating systems and was able to access the old files.  It was a while ago and do not remember how to do it.  It may not even be applicable here.  Sorry for the confusion.

Any davise would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

BHave you cantacted Compaq about this problem? I know that we can help, but it MIGHT be more than just a partition.... Even if.... You shouldn't have to do all this to get a computer to work...

[glb]Flame[/glb]flame,

 it is out of warranty.  we would have to pay for phone help.   She had a bunch of PICTURES of her NEPHEW on there.  I didn't want to do a system restore without asking.  
 Let me know what you think.


Thanks
B   Quote

I can access the system menu and did try to do a HHD test.  The test failed???this concerns me.........have you got any recover disks.........if you have load them...[/quote\

i reply
      swap the ide cables with cdrom drive and try if it gets detected.
if that fails then only cable has to be replaced.
if that is detected then u hav 2 replace hard disc.....