What happens when, after reinstalling your laptop HD, you insert the windows CD and start the laptop? do you get the same "missing Operating System" error? If so, you will need to examine your Boot order, which is accessible in your CMOS setup. usually the laptop will give you a number of keys you can press to access various options when you are starting it, something like "press F12 to access XPress recovery, Press F2 to enter SETUP" or options to that effect. you want the "SETUP" option.
Unfortunately the laptop hard drive has been formatted. I have been through all the Bios settings, but on each occassion the same happens each time, 'No Operating System, and I guess that's because the hard drive has been formatted. I know I seem rather green on this particular topic, but how does repair shops put Xp onto other machines, and why is it not possible to do so, is it a license issue. I bet if I took it to a repair shop they will be able to put Windows onto the hard drive, or am I wrong?Please don't laugh, I really have not yet picked up enough knowlege on this procedure yet, I am reading books to learn more about computers. Having been self tainned, I'm doing extremley well and have helped others, any way thank you all for your kind help