Hi Peter, I had to scratch my head where I read this then it struck me that it was at Steve Gibson's site in the FAQ for Spin Rite. http://grc.com/srQ&A.htm A short way down the page he talks about S.M.A.R.T. and doesn't seem, to think it is. Not a solution for your issue, but a possible clue. Brad Loomis Morro Bay, CA -----Original Message----- As best I can tell, the SMART is enabled on both computers. I ran the MaxBlaster diagnostic software and even in the full test mode it reports that the drive is fine. The Intel motherboard, however, insists that the drive is about to fail. Does Intel have something against Maxtor? Peter [log in to unmask] The NOSPIN Group is now offering Free PC Tech support at our newest website: http://freepctech.com