I bought a new HDD,but my laptop refused to WORK well with it.
I dont know whether swapping it on a desktop computer to format it and install O/S on it.And putting it back into my laptop can work.
I dont know if my laptop will be comfortable with this idea.
Help needed!What is the make and model of the new HDD you are trying to install on your laptop?If the OS you will be installing is any NEWER than WinME then the laptop will not be happy with this method...
Did you recieve a utility CD with this drive ? ?
If so boot the laptop with it in and use it to prepare the HDD for your OS installation...Good point patio...

If it didn't come with a utility cd, then we'll need to know the manufacturer and model of your hard drive so we can make a recommendation to you.The HDD didnt come with any utility CD.
My laptop is TOSHIBA Dynabook satellite 1800 series.
The name of the HDD is 40GB Toshiba HDD(MK4032GAX).From what I have found, Toshiba does not have a hard drive utility for their hard drives, for which I find quite strange...however, you may be able to use IBM's or Maxtor's utility software to properly prepare the drive...unless someone has a better idea.