Presario 5000 hard disk replacement

[marina rossow]

My 3.5 year old Presario 5000 gave me "hard disk imminent failure" warning over the weekend. I know that I have to replace the hard drive but I've never done it before and I need HELP!
Here are the specs for my computer: 60MB hard drive, 128MB RAM, DVD-ROM drive, CD-RW drive, HSP56 MicroModem, WindowsMe OS.
From what I learned on the Internet, replacing hard disk should be relatively easy because the new ones apparently come with detailed instructions and the feature that allows copying everything from the old disk to the new one... One of my questions is: would that transfer somehow copy the same damage or the problem that caused the damage on the old disk?

Also, should I buy an external drive instead so I don't have to worry about making some other damage once I open the computer - I'm little scared that I might make more damage while replacing the old disk... Is there anything I should be really careful about? Any advice and help from you people who've done this before will be greately appreciated!
Thanks.
Marina

[marina rossow]

In the computer specs I forgot to mention Pentum III processor.

[Jenny Urey]

If you are only copying data.... I have a little idea - so long as its not much capacity! If you have an email address, send all your files you want to save to the email address. Then you have them stored in your inbox...obviously not outlook where its stored on your PC! Something like AOL, BT - or whoever you may be with. Install yur new HDD then download data onto your new HDD.
Otherwise - I suggest you take the HDD to a shop. If you haven't handled a HDD before or installed, get someone to do it who knows how. Hard drives can be destroyed by mishandling and static energy.
Good Luck Marina