ok i got this and i forgot to check for the cd cause i forgot i dont have windows xp. so i read the instructions and for 98 you need installation disk but i can remember where i got this from. so is there any program on the net that i can download the installation thing?

You need to check the manufacture's web page to see if they have what you need on there. The web address should be on the box, or if you don't have the box look for the brand name of the hard drive (probably written across the top or side of the hard drive) and look it up online, see if they have what you need.

nope i tried looking up what seems to be the name which is portable disk(only thing in big letters and bold type) and it comes up with random things about portable disks. ive tried every veriation of searches

Do you see anything else written on it anywhere? Even in little tiny print on the bottom, back, or anywhere else? Portable disk will by way to vauge like you said and will bring up useless stuff. Unless the company is called Portable disk :-| If you know someone with windows XP you might be able to bring it to their house and plug it in, if windows PnP finds it, it might tell you the name in a little bubble on the bottom right cornor of the screen (and also should be available in the device manager screen)