:smileygrin: screwdrivers at the ready! AND thanks for the XP tip ! i will give it a try first. many thanks to you all and will let you know if i need any replacement part -if i break any !:smileylaugh:
oh, having a chip so ONLY sony drives will work sux!
All done guys! New hard disk installed and i have a few pic for ref if anyone wants , its here http://pub7.bravenet.com/photocenter/album.php?usernum=576152589&album=19538
thanks again, couldn't do it without your help - all the best!:smileygrin: :smileygrin: :smileygrin:
one last point , the original IBM hdd is much quieter than the replacement Toshiba 1 
