how do i install a harddrive ?

my one computer is like 5 yrs old. the hard drive "D" is basically filled up. it runs windows xp and also windows me. now if i buy a new harddrive whats the deal to i have to format it somehow ? do i need to get a windows cd ? i need to get some more space b/c the p/c is becomming useless. thanks

Pardon my question. I'm hoping not to be considered rude here. The question: Is your current XP installation a "valid" legal copy of XP? If it is, you will probably be able to simply "migrate" it over to your new Hard Drive. New Hard Drives ordinarily come with "installation software CD" that instructs the owner regarding how to install the Hard Drive…. and provides a utility that is specific to the brand of Hard Drive that you purchase (Seagate, Maxtor, Western Digital, etc.) that allows the user to "transfer" operating system and data from the old Hard Drive onto the new Hard Drive. Once you buy a new Hard Drive and start reading the information on the installation CD and paper documentation in the box, you will begin understanding what options and procedures you have available to yourself. There are "third-party" back-up image (.iso) utilities like Norton Ghost or Acronis which will work too. But the Hard Drive Name Brand utility should work just fine, and it is free. (included in the purchase) Best Regards

thanks for the info dough. the xp cd was one i got from someone who bought a new dell, i borrowed it to update me to xp. anyway what i did was went into me and right clicked the d drive and did a format to erase it. it seems to be good now and i dont think i will need a new harddrive. thanks though

Pardon my question. I'm hoping not to be considered rude here.

The question:
Is your current XP installation a "valid" legal copy of XP?
If it is, you will probably be able to simply "migrate" it over to your new Hard Drive.

New Hard Drives ordinarily come with "installation software CD" that instructs the owner regarding how to install the Hard Drive…. and provides a utility that is specific to the brand of Hard Drive that you purchase (Seagate, Maxtor, Western Digital, etc.) that allows the user to "transfer" operating system and data from the old Hard Drive onto the new Hard Drive.

Once you buy a new Hard Drive and start reading the information on the installation CD and paper documentation in the box, you will begin understanding what options and procedures you have available to yourself.

There are "third-party" back-up image (.iso) utilities like Norton Ghost or Acronis which will work too.
But the Hard Drive Name Brand utility should work just fine, and it is free. (included in the purchase)

Best Regards

Norton Ghost Rules!!!