MBR Error on Gateway 6518GZ notebook

[colacox]

I have a Gateway 6518GZ notebook computer that crashed and do not have restore cd's. It will not restore from hard drive via F11 key. HAve also tried to install a Full version WinXP Media Edition and it says it cannot install on that partition. Please can anyone help to show me how to create an ISO restore cd or something.
Gateway do's not have restore cd either tha i can download. Can the drive be fdisk and setup without gateways restore setp cd's....
Colacox:cool::)

[glc]

You need to call Gateway support.

[colacox]

I have called them. They can let me order restore cd, but being disabled as I am do not have the money right now. Will be next month before I can and its needed really bad for home schooling. Thought someone here just might know how to fdisk the drive so as a copy of winxp i purchased would install on it. Is this possible??

[glc]

Just boot with the XP CD, go into Setup, and remove all partitions before continuing with the install. You will need to download drivers from Gateway and have them ready on a USB key or a CD.

[colacox]

I have tried to install Windows like you say. It wont let me delete any of the partitions.

[glc]

You may have a defective hard drive. I'd run diagnostics on it and if it passes, then zero fill the drive. The best way to do this is with the Ultimate Boot CD.

www.ultimatebootcd.com

Without knowing the manufacturer of the hard drive, I'd suggest using the Hitachi Drive Fitness Test for diagnostics, and Darik's Boot & Nuke to zero it.