Compaq HD problem

My daughter has a Compaq Presario 2100. She said she got a virus! I don't think she did. But the problem is it will boot and not run! I ran a test for Hard Drive and it didn't show one. I also tried to repair from disk, it said it didn't have a hard drive. Disk is the reinstall XP. Is this a virus? I think it is hard drive gone bad.
Any way to really tell?
Thank You For Your Time

David C Sr

 

It does sound like the hard drive has gone to that great server farm in the sky. One way to check is to get a copy of any linux LiveCD, or download and burn to CD a copy of the Ultimate BootCD. Both will boot from your CD drive, and do not require any access to the hard drive, so the system should boot up and run just fine. Once it's up and running, you can then use the disk diagnostics that should be included in either disk (I know the Ultimate BootCD has disk diagnostic tools, but I cannot say for sure if all linux LiveCDs do).

 

Thank You. It confirms my thoughts. I just wanted to hear some one else say it! What would be a good one to replace it with? Size?
I have the boot disk. It also said no Hard drive. I just wanted some one else idea.
Thank You Again