Sorry I have not got right back to you, but I am just working on this Laptop in my spare time. After I used GParted to repartition the HD I wanted to try to retrieve the information on the HD if possible. I stumbled on a tool Hirens.BootCD.15.1 for Mini XP on a USB. I was able to boot the USB and retrieve the info. I needed.
Then I ran the WD Data Lifeguard Diagnostic and the HD passed but the system report said
"that it is unable to read configuration file,
Setup AVD devices, and
MBR sector was incorrect. ???
If I eject the USB and the Disc drive to boot the HD, I get No bootable device Strike F1.
On the bootable USB with Mini XP there is a number of boot options when it loads. One is to boot from the original O/S Windows XP Pro. So, I tried it for S's and G's to see what happens. I starts the installation process for XP saying it needs the ASMS file from the i386 folder of install disk number two. I do not have disk two, all I have is the branded Dell Disk.
Should try this finishing of the installation or is that a wast of time at this point with the Boot sector being incorrect.
Thanks to everyone for all your input and help. I am learning more each step of the way with each option.
Hirens.BootCD.15.1 has a great set of tools inside. Hope they can help someone else.
Thanks,
Matt