I tried to install windows onto my laptop. It went through the set up process, but when it got to the install part, I got an error message stating that Windows could not find a HDD installed on my computer. So, thinking something was wrong with the HDD, I bought a new Wester Digital HDD. After installing the new HDD, I again tried installing windows, with the same outcome. Someone has told me that Compaq is bad about putting "blinder" codes in their BIOS to hide the HDD from being overwritten. I called Compaq Tech Support, but because my warranty is out, they wanted an arm and a leg to "help". Is there any truth to this? Does anyone have a solution for this problem?