I have a problem with my Toshiba laptop and can't find my Recovery Disc or have any boot disk to help me. I would be able to buy one but I'm not good with computers and don't know which to get. I've read on a site that I would need:

Windows XP CD-Rom and a Boot Disk for my Windows XP

When I go to the desktop it's just a black screen with my mouse only visible. When I go to Safe mode it does the same thing, I tried something called VGA mode and it does the same exact thing. My friend told me that I would need a Boot Disk and a Recovery Disc but he's not 100% sure so I would like to ask someone here who might know the answer. I have someone who I am able to buy both of these Disc/Disk from for only $20 total since he has copies of it. I was just wondering if this would actually fix my laptop. I need this fixed within a month or so for my college classes. Thank you in advance

It would be wise to take the laptop in to a repair shop to have it diagnosed and repaired properly