Need "dummy" instructions for new bare HDD

USED to know how to do this... apparently long-lost in my old brain...

New Samsung bare nb HDD
New HP recovery disk

Installed HDD - physically, that is...
Would be totally indebted to whomever can just give me the dummy version of what to do now... you know, like: 1: do this... 2. do this...

I think I need to format the HDD first, but I don't have any software to do it. What is recommended? (I'm guessing I have to d/l onto my computer, burn it to a CD? - as in needing a 'boot disk' - obviously CD, since the last time I did this floppy disks were what I made a boot disk on!)

Would REALLY appreciate it. :confused

Thanks in advance...

 

are you installing this as a 2nd hdd, in a current windows installation?
or are you wanting to install windows on it? I'll assume the 2nd, since you mentioned a recovery disc.

just install the hard drive (which it seems you have already) boot from the recovery disc and follow the prompts. the installer should recognize that you have a new hard drive and format accordingly.