New T42 user, need help with new hard drive

[myhalcyondaze]

I just bought a used T42 (2378-R4U) off of craigslist without a hard drive. I'm ordering a new drive off of buy.com, but I'm not sure what I will need to do in terms of setting the laptop up once the HD arrives. I've seen the "ThinkVantage Rescue & Recovery Media" referenced that restores everything to the factory settings. Do I really need that (I'd like to avoid spending the money)? I have a copy of Windows XP to install. Is there a way around the TV R&R? Anything else I should be aware of for setting up a new HD for the first time?

Thanks!
Matt

[seaweedsl]

Hi. First, you'll need to make sure you've also got a drive caddy or else buy one on Ebay.

You can install your own copy of Windows on it, no problem. You will need to get together the video, sound, wireless etc, etc, etc, drivers and a few other things off Lenovo support site.

Steve