We recently got a Toshiba Satellite 5205-S503 laptop from relatives overseas. However, before we had used it many times, there was a scratching sound issuing from it while operating, and before long it was no longer to load windows, or reinstall windows, do anything. We took it to a computer shop and they said teh hard disk was broken (something about the reader not being at the place its meant to be), and that we needed a new one.
I am looking for some info on what this new hard disk should be. Does it have to be a Toshiba Hard Disk (i.e. can I use other brands)? If so, does it have to be exactly the same one? Any other advice, perhaps on where to find it, would be appreciated as well.