Help w/ Toshiba Satellite A25

It sounds like your disk drive is sick. First, make sure you have a current backup. Look for errirs in the event log.

If you know you are having disk errors, you need to replace it. (If you don't feel comfortable replacing the disk, any computer repair place can do it.) There is an access door on the bottom right where the noise comes from. You should be able to use most any 2 1/2" laptop drive. You will need to make sure the jumper is set for master. (Many replacement drives come as cable select.) You will also need to remove the old drive from its caddy and reuse it with the new drive. The final step is running the install from your recovery CDs. I have personally had the best luck with replacement drives from Toshiba or Hitachi. Your machine originally came with a 40GB drive. If you need more space, this is a good time to do it. I think your machine came with a 4200RPM drive, but I'm not sure. They are available 4200RPM, 5400RPM or 7200RPM. Faster is better, up to a point, but more speed can equal more heat. My opinion is that the 5400RPM rrives give the best combination or price and performance, but others would say faster is better. I also think that the 80 GB drives are the best value, but others would say to buy the biggest drive and others would say that you should get exactly what you have if you don't need more space. You should be able to find a 80GB 5400RPM drive for under $100 if you buy it online. If you taske it to a service place, I would expect that your cost would be double that figure.

Will any hardrive (2.5) work for this upgrade? I too am having hardrive issues with this same model.

My laptop now needs to be hit hard on the top in order to load into windows, otherwise it just hangs on the Toshiba screen. this began after a trip to vegas, where I suspect it got knocked around too much, and I had it as a carry on.

Not sure if you're joking or actually mean that literally. If you are hitting your machine, you should stop - you'll likely knock something loose or worse, Glockster. If you suspect hdd issues, do as rich has already advised before you really damage your machine.

Yes, I am literally hitting the top of the cover.

I know I need to stop, but to tell you the truth, if it breaks somethign, I can claim it through my insurance.

I am leaving shortly for 6 months, and need a laptop to take with me, of course, I would prefer it to be this one, but I am not against blowing the cash to get a new one.

Is there anything special I need to get on a new hard disk? I am looking to go around 100 gigs.