grelmar - 10:12 am on Feb 21, 2005 (gmt 0)

If you have broadband, try downloading a copy of Knoppix, it's a version of Linux you can boot from a CD.

You might have to go into the computer's BIOS in order to make the CD the default boot, but if you can get that to happen, you can then boot with Knop, and use the built in utilities to look for errors on the hard drive. (with a bit of searching, you should be able to find a fair number of forums where the techies talk about "miracle saves" they've done with Knop, a lot of sysadmins carry a copy at all times).

The other thing is, the main boot hard drive might have chosen that exact moment to give up the ghost. *shrug* it happens. You might want to try yanking the case, and disconnecting the two hard drives, and swapping where they were plugged in, which should make the old #2 drive the default boot drive. Then you can try installing Win on that drive and see what happens. Again, check the BIOS before you boot. You might have to change drive types around to accomodate the physical changes you just made, especially if they're two completely different makes and types of Hard Drive. If they're the same make and model of drive, don't even bother checking the BIOS.

Lastly, when all else fails, never underestimate the restorative powers of giving it Fonzie. (Just whack the thing upside the case).