installing a new hard drive into an old laptop

[m4twent]

my hard drive just recently went on my laptop. and rather then spend $1000 on a new laptop id rather spend a few bucks and just replace the hdd. its an ide drive. my question is if i buy a new hdd will it automatically need me to run the windows cd(which i have) in order to install windows or do i have to install it on the drive before installing. also im looking to buy a used hdd and im assuming that these already have windows on it so how can i wipe them completely clean and install my copy of windows onto the old hdd. if possible id like to buy the cheapest possible used hdd because i have a new 160gb sata drive that dont fit into my laptop and i will buy an external enclosure and use that as a backup drive to store all my music movies etc. any advice on how to go about this and recommendations on what i need to buy.

[Butcher]

If you buy a new hard drive you will have to install windows on it via CD/DVD
If its used (don't see the point buying used) chances are its been zeroed by a company or who ever had it before yourself or it should have been(ie TOTALLY clean of everything)
To wipe it completely clean just stick your windows CD in, and during install tell it to format the drive, everything will be erased and you can install your copy right away.
As for the 160gb drive, i think its just a case of buying a caddie(enclosure) and sticking the drive in, it then should give you a USB connection and one power i assume and you should be sorted (some enclosures support e-sata or ethernet.(i think)

[IllBashU]

just install the drive and put in the windows cd into your cd drive and format the drive and install windows. look at the bottom of the screen and it will have keys and what they do like, u go on the partation and click d and then it goes to another screen where it asks you "are you sure?" and look at the bottom of the screen and it should have yes and a key beside it. once you delete the drive it take you back to the screen it started on and all you have to do is click on the partation and click format and it will format the drive and install windows. feel free to ask any question.

[m4twent]

im just going to buy a new hdd. tigerdirect has them for $55 and the cases go for $10-20. basically i just wanted to know when you install a brand new hdd that it will automatically ask you to install windows off a cd. i second guessed buying a used hdd.thanks for your help