Compaq Pressario LAPTOP windows problem.

Question

Dear experts,

I have compaq laptop 2004 model.

Windows crashed 2 times in last 1 year and I was able to reinstall from window CD.

Now it is the 3rd time it crashed and my repeated attempts install window is not successful/ not fully installed??

Following messages comes up on Booting:

Disk errror occured
presess Ctl. Alt. Ent to restart

or

Some times, very slowly it comes up to Windows Log scree with scroling bar in the middle and then fails to come to Log Screen?

or It simply goes of saying window was sshut down to prevent further damage?

Set Up:

Chkdsk /r

It wonly scans up to 25 -50%

Says unreadable sector on so many lines repeatedly ??

Then I have to Switch it of.

I got cheked local tech people and they are not able to figure out??

They say Hard Drive needs to be replaced? [ Hitachi is the present drive 40 GB]

Is it true?

If so which Barand I should and what would be cost I would be looking for?

I shall be highly grateful on your kind help here.

rn