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 The NOSPIN Group Promotions is now offering Mandrake Linux or Red Hat Linux CD sets along with our NOSPIN Power Linux CD... at a great price!!! http://freepctech.com/goodies/promotions.shtml