This is a long shot, but do you have a ZIP drive? These cause havoc with DOS boot disks. If so, either remove it in the BIOS, or unplug the IDE cable, making sure your BIOS knows it is gone. You can also deactivate the IDE channel it is on if you do not need whatever it is paired with. Re: fdisk I followed your advice step by step, this is the same process I have used many times.The problem occurs at this point. After pressing enter I get Error reading fixed disk. Then I it goes back to A prompt. Also it will not accept a boot disk. I have to use a 98se start up disk. When I use a "boot" disk I get the message Hard disk failed.I have tried replacing with the boot disk after using the start up disk but this gives me a list of files from the config.sys that are missing or corrupted. then i get warning hma is not available additional low memory will be used finally I end at file missing or corrupted:FDISK Type the name of the Command Interpreter. I am baffeled because I have used both the Startup and Boot disks to install on other hard drives. THANKS (sorry for the long query) John Stoker _________________________________________________________________ Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com/intl.asp The NOSPIN Group provides a monthly newsletter with great tips, information and ideas: NOSPIN-L, The NOSPIN Magazine Visit our web site to signup: http://freepctech.com