Frank Suszka writes on july 04 " Bob Kolenberg wrote (Clipped)
>There was a spyware problem I was trying to tackle prior to the event, with
>pop-ups occuring without an internet connection.

The occurrence of pop ups are frustrating to say the least and if your drive
were still operational, meaning you could still boot into windows with it
you could try a malware removal utility that Microsoft has.
http://www.microsoft.com/security/malwareremove/default.mspx#run "

If after the above step you find no malware then i would suggest the following

(1)see if there are any hd diagnostic tools available from the web site of your hd manufacturer and if so download and give it a try.

(2)If you place your palm on the metal surface of your hd [NOTE:GROUND YOURSELF PROPERLY(Either anti static wrist wrap or touching the surface of your case with your other hand)] you should feel a slight vibration if your hd is not complete toast.

if your hd is ok then the suggestions by James Maki should solve your problem

HTH  and have a nice day---Venkat VISWANATHAN

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