Sk boot failure, inserst disk, blah, blah, blah

[cantsleep2nite]

Pc working fine, came in and say this error.
System is HP - AMD 62 X2 dual core 4200, 2.2 Ghz cpu speed, WIN XP SP2.
Lost WIN CD that came with when I moved last year, but do have back-up for important data.
What are my options?
I have some ability with computers, upgrading video cards, memory, basic troubleshooting, but not a geek, so PLEASE keep help / tips simple.

Thanks!!!

 

[o1die]

Try using the cmos jumper to reset the bios. With the system off, move this jumper over one position to keep 2 out of 3 pins covered, then return to it's original position. Or remove the board battery for a few seconds, and reinstall. Also check for a loose cable connection for your hardrive.

 

[cantsleep2nite]

very helpful, except for one thing, there are no jumpers installed. I found the CMOS pins and per HP website:

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?lc=en&dlc=en&cc=us&docname=c00496280

it showed where they are and what to do...except there are NO jumpers installed.
Checked NO loose cables. If I set up DEFAULTS for the BIOS, what will this do and can I go back & change if needed? I wrote down all the settings.

 

[cantsleep2nite]

Removed battery, no change.
Ran diagnostics and got Error Code HP521-2W, which seems to be a hard drive failure. Going to buly new hard drive, but new issue is that I do not have original disks with WIN XP. I do have my wife's laptop and her disks with same OS. Will this work?
Once hard drive replaced and WIN XP loaded, will I need to do a system restore or is that not necessary?

 

[o1die]

If both windows cd's are for hp systems, then yes. To activate, use your coa sticker number from the case.

 

[cantsleep2nite]

Best answer selected by cantsleep2nite.

 

[cantsleep2nite]

thank you, up and running. New Hard Drive in, WIN installed, copying files from West. Dig. Book drive.