I don't know if my problem is hardware or software so pardon me for putting it here. I recently added an expansion to a game I play a lot. I don't know if my problem is hardware or software so pardon me for putting it here. My computer started "loosing" my DVD and CD-R/RW roms at unexpected times. If I tried to use the start/restart or start/shutdown commands My system would not re-acquire the two roms. But if I turned off the system by using the power button it would re-acquire both. It also started to hard lock 2 to 10 minutes after I turned it off and on. So, OK, it is the game. Nope. I tried un-installing the game, didn't work. So after many hours on the web I finally bit the bullet and did a system restore that should have restored my computer to the factory settings. Nope still got both problems. I need suggest ions as to what to try next or at least a guess whether it is a hardware or software issue. My System is: Compaq 5000V Praserio Athlon 1.0 gig processor 128 mb ram 40 gig hard drive Phillips CD-R/RW rom DVD rom(sorry don't remember make and model) ATI 9200se(?) vidio card Generic sound card All drivers have been updated and certified by Microsoft An idiot studying to be a moron and getting straight "A's"! Thanks William Carter [log in to unmask] The NOSPIN Group Promotions is now offering Mandrake Linux or Red Hat Linux CD sets along with the OpenOffice CD... at a great price!!! http://freepctech.com/goodies/promotions.shtml