hi i'm after a second hardrive as at the moment i have aonlt a 10gig drive but i was wondering when i install it do i have to format it or is it just a case of plug and play,also would i have to make sure it will work with the original or will any do.thanks for any advice

Here are several detailed guides:

http://www.google.com/search?sourcei...ond+hard+drive

It will need to be formatted but in XP that can be done with one click. Also most drives come with setup software if you choose to use it.

You just need to verify the type of drive e.g. ATA not SATA nor SCSI

Also the speed of the drive and the size: make sure that your motherboard supports your speed and size.

cheers for that i thought it would be some kind of mission to get it all set up and working thanks again

No problem It is quite easy actually. Some of the links above have very detailed guides with pictures et al.

Let us know if we can help further.