T42 - Multiple Problems - Dead Harddrive, Dead DVD Drive

[ibmchallenged]

I need to replace my hard drive and reinstall the operating system due to a liquid spill but my DVD/CD drive is not working. Prior to the hard drive problem, I didn't have a problem with the DVD. I have the recovery CD's and a new Hitachi Travelstar160GB, 5400RPM drive. How can I bypass my DVD drive? Thanks for your help.

[wswartzendruber]

I need to replace my hard drive and reinstall the operating system due to a liquid spill but my DVD/CD drive is not working. Prior to the hard drive problem, I didn't have a problem with the DVD. I have the recovery CD's and a new Hitachi Travelstar160GB, 5400RPM drive. How can I bypass my DVD drive? Thanks for your help.

1. This is the T400 forum, not the T40 forum.
2. You're going to need both a working HDD and CD/DVD, unless you plan to use an external disc drive.

[Harryc]

Mod Edit Moved to T4X forum - harryc

[richk]

If there was a spill and both the HD and optical are affected, it is most likely the IDE controller on the motherboard