Hi, WISHING ALL A GREAT NEW YEAR. Gordon Totty's post(clipped):- <<< System files on a computer are repeatedly getting corrupted >>> normally such problems are indicated by some sort of error msg from the operating system. therefore it will help if some indication on this is available. what is the o/s? any one particular system file (or files) or random? <<< Is it possible for a virus to exist in the normally inaccessible HDD manufacturer's space on the HDD?>>> I would rule this out on the assumption that the machine would have indicated the problem right from day ONE of it's operation. HTH ----Venkat The NOSPIN Group has added a new feature on our website, web based bulletinboard for questions and answers: Visit our sister website at http://nospin.com