Hello Again,

I have isolated what I believe to be the source of my problems and i thought some other folks might find it useful.

When I was able to boot the last time, the first thing my computer did was begin prompting me to reboot to complete an automated download from Microsoft. At first, I thought this was a coincidence since I am setup to automatically get the latest service pacs to close the plethora of known security issues with their products. As it turns out, two worms (Blaster and Nachi) apparently work together to hide, reinfect and propogate across the web. See article ID 833330 on the Microsoft website for details.

Unfortunately, there is little that can be done (data safe, that is) to fix the problem other than the procedure we have contemplated. The rub is that if you save the wrong files you are doomed to repeat the process at potentially random intervals as I have done. As in make a complete backup for reinstall on the new drive under the erroneous assumption that the hard drive is mechanically compromised. There is nothing wrong with the drive and i am not going to be lucky to get the files off before it makes it's last gasp. It is a software problem in my case...a pair of virus working together. Last year at this same time, I had this same problem and resolved it by restoring a complete backup...it activated again this year and knocked me out again. I thought the precision timing was a coincidence as well.

Just my two cents worth...you be the judge.

b.line


P. S. While I was writing this I noticed you have replied again.

I like the idea of the external with a fat partition so I will go that way first since I already have one.

I have several computers but have not fooled with networking since Novell was a miracle (and a massive pain in the foot). I understand it is a lot simpler now.

All food for thought...THanks again.

b.line