I'll need your laptop service tag number. Check the bottom of your laptop.I found my hard drive brand now if I can get this zip file to run I'll be okGood What brand is it?
What zip file?To start my service tag is GJCC461 express service code 3598095385 when I pulled it out it said fujitsu model MHT2040AH When I downloaded the program it down loaded as a zip file so I sent it to my cd then loaded it into the laptop and tried to run it but tells me it can't find no hdd it says hdd power cable not connected or hdd interace cable not attached or hdd master slave SETTING in correct or hdd is faulty. don't understand why I can do certain things on it if hard drive can't be foundDid you download Drive Fitness Test v4.15 b01 (12.16.2008) - CD Image from here: http://www.tacktech.com/display.cfm?ttid=287#fujitsu, or something else?
The above comes as .iso file
I got the right one now thanks. it is telling me problem detected on Hitachi non disk drive need to contact supplier disposition code=0x72So is it Hitachi, or Fujitsu drive?it is fujitsuAs I suspected, the drive is dying:

so in other words I need to look for another hard drive for in it. If so should I stay the same size or can I go bigger it is 40gb now been looking on e-bay?I'd definitely get something bigger, and I wouldn't shop e-bay for new hard drive.
You can get 160GB here: http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/products/System_Drives/productdetail.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=dhs&cs=19&sku=A1199742&mfgpid=157951&chassisid=8482 for $76only bad part of this whole experience is I am going to have to by soft ware to get word for windows and stuff like that due to the fact that the lady that sold me the computer on e-bay never sent me the disks like she promised.
thank you very much for your HELP I will get this hard drive you recommended while I am doing it should I up my memory it is 512 mb now?You're very WELCOME
You don't have to worry about programs. You can get almost anything for free. For instance, OPENOFFICE is as good as M$ Office, and it's free.
As for RAM, 512MB would be recommended for XP, with 1GB would be the best solution.