When I turned on my computer just now, I got a black screen that said"1720-
the hard drive detects imminent failure" and there were two boxes. One said F1 - boot and the other said F-10 - setup. Am I in terrible trouble? What should I do about this problem? I have been having assorted minor problems in recent days, but this is really scary. Any help will be gratefully appreciated!

I think your hard drive may be on it's way.

it may be easier to replace the hard drive, have you got all the software/driver discs?

Take a look at this. With your computer that old, it might be a good idea to back up your data:

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/f...cname=bph05701

Thanks, guys!!! You are absolutely correct in that my hard drive is about to give up the ghost. Now, I really need some help. Money is a major issue with me (I simply don't have any!) My husband had picked up some used hard drives at yard sales and I would really like to use one of them but I haven't a clue how to do that! When I attach them to my computer, I get a message saying that there is no operating system on the hard drive. I have tried putting in the ME CD, but nothing happens. So what do I do now? (In words of one syllable or less, please (LOL). Please, please, please help this old lady. Thank you so much!!!

Installing hard drive obtained from yard sale it is like picking up old tires for your car from junk yard. Sooner than you think, something terible will happen at a time when you don't expect it. That being said:
http://www.unirecovery.com/raid_arra...a_recovery.php

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/f...ncodeUrl=true&

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/g...reg_R1002_USEN

I took your advice and bought a new hard drive for my dying computer. The computer guy told me to do the following (which did not work, which is why I am writing to you): 1. Make sure the boot order is set to read CD Rom drive first. 2. Put the ME CD in the CD Rom drive and turn off the computer.
3. Turn the computer on and the ME CD will format and partition the new hard drive and load ME.
Sounds easy enough, right? So...........why didn't it work? All I get is No Operating System found on hard drive.
What did he leave out or assume I would know? Thanks for your help!!!!

take a look at this

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/g...dlc=en&lang=en

Thanks for the info. That seems to be the way to go! I will followthru with HP now. Thanks so much!!!! Have a good day!