Thanks for the informative replies.This is my problem. I have a dual boot. Ubuntu/Windows XP For some reason, my GRUB no longer displays Windows. I was planning to do a clean install of Ubuntu to a later version. I have two bad sectors on the hard drive. Other than that it is working fine. I am wondering whether a new hard drive would be advisable. The Windows XP is a legit copy and I have the number for it.Hopefully I wont have to go through too much trouble to activate it.
More than advisable! If your hard drive is showing signs of failure your computer could fail at any time. Back up your data to a portable drive and replace the hard drive.
Is this your main PC, and do you access the internet with it? If yes, what you are planning is fraught with danger.
Paul D
It is my main computer but I do not go online with windows. I go online with Linux. If it was not for that one program that I need, I would give up windows.