I need to replace the hard drive in my v5000 Compaq laptop. it is currently a mk8025gas toshiba 80gb. how do i choose a newer updated hard drive to match? do i just install and turn back on with the xp disk in the disk drive?

To replace the harddrive in computers you need to know the specifications of the Motherboard. Your laptop can handle the following:

Hard drives (include frame and connector) Spare Part Number

5400-rpm, 80-GB 407852-001
4200-rpm, 120-GB 407853-001
4200-rpm, 100-GB 407851-001
4200-rpm, 80-GB 410054-001
4200-rpm, 60-GB 407850-001
4200-rpm, 40-GB 407849-001
Go to the following site and put in the spare part numbers that i have listed and that should get you the upgrade you wanted. Enter the spare parts number above into the parts number in the search by part numbers box.

http://h20141.www2.hp.com/Hpparts/Default.aspx?mscssid=9E0783B718F3439680DC3A201F33E853



You can download the service manual for your laptop at:

http://h10032.www1.hp.com/ctg/Manual/c00700903.pdf

Basically you insert a new drive and insert the Windows XP installation CD and follow the screen instructions.
The specification for hard drives for the Compaq V5000 are as follows :-
Table 6-3
Hard Drives
120-GB* 100-GB* 80-GB*
Dimensions
Height
Width
Weight
9.5 mm
70 mm
102 g
9.5 mm
70 mm
102 g
9.5 mm
70 mm
99 g
Interface type ATA-5 ATA-5 ATA-5
Transfer rate
Synchronous (maximum)
Security
100 MB/sec
ATA security
100 MB/sec
ATA security
100 MB/sec
ATA security