Buy a new HD and try it in your PC.  If it works, you know that you're 100% on the money.

Since you've narrowed it down to the hard drive- if it were me & I had data I wanted that was on that drive, I'd get to a PC shop & get help there.

LT

PS- HD's are sooo cheap now.  I just got a 120GB (2mb cache)Maxtor for $70.  Look around for sales w/rebate.

Here's a possibility for you:

http://www.hotdealsclub.com/relocate.cgi?www.officedepot.com/offers/save.asp

120GB 8MB-cache retail hard drive $94 after rebate

Use the above link, then enter coupon code 90246756 to enable a $25 off coupon. Then search for item 678808 which is a retail Maxtor 120GB 8MB-cache hard drive for $169. Purchase price $144, and a $50 mail-in rebate is available. Product stock varies by region, so this item may not be in stock for some people.

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