data error reading drive c

Hi .. read with interest the posts by "silverwork" on data error reading on drive c on his brother's Gateway, (think it was a PII, 266mgh), but found no help there for the same problem on the one I recently acquired from a friend. It was to be used by my hubby to "learn" how to use the computer. Silverwork got into doing some things that seemed beyond my knowledge. I did read another post that suggested downloading a boot disc from the appropriate hdd maker's site. Went to Western Digital's site, and found what I think I may need. That site said to load that particular info onto an existing boot floppy. Have no idea how to do that. The info downloaded as a zip file.
Please keep in mind that I am a novice, as in pre-beginner, so kindergarten explanations are appropriate
....lost

 

Try this:

Get GWSCAN 3.15 (Part #7510801) and let it unzip to a DOS formatted floppy ( not one formatted by W2K or WXP) Boot to that floopy and run GWSCAN in test mode. It will tell you if the HDD is toast - or if it is repairable.

Note repairs will likely cause a loss of data.

Best option would be to "Write Zeros" then do a full O/S reload. ( This option Wipes EVERYTHING!)

Note: if installing W95 you will also need 7502700.exe which is the PIIX4 Busmastering Drivers and USB support for W95.

 

The file you downloaded from WD creates the floppy for you. Just unzip it, insert a floppy into the drive, and then run the program.
You can go to Bootdisk, and get files that will create windows boot floppies.