Computer shops have different methods from different teachings..it could be any one of many many things

Have you thought to test the memory (sorry, i'm too lazy to read through the whole 8 pages of this thread ) - you can test it with Memtest86.com - Memory Diagnostic

you can ask ih8bills; we are always looking for tech savvy people to make that difference....

Thanks G: I don't blame you LOL
I did not think to double check the RAM and / or seatings of other parts


I still say try DBAN... I once went through something like this with a Dell Support Tech ( just before they went overseas) the guy walked me through a low-level command-line format on the phone at 2AM.
In fact-- I was going from ME to XP / tried the upgrade disc they sent me which, of course worked like... not well.
He said we were going to wipe the drive-- make it like it was just installed out of the box-- and it worked.

Bandit afa "permanent member"-- you already are...
if you mean "staff nominee" that takes a little longer
You obviously know your way around a PC-- keep posting ...maybe suggest a fix if you have an idea (EXCEPTING HJT LOGS-- only security team may post there. Then apply ... we are always looking for help-- this forum is growing quickly.

So make your presence known (you already did) try helping a few-- if you can, then apply via the Join The Team link at left. EVERYone goes through an evaluation process.... then you are assessed by your tech skills/manners/ how much time can you spare, etc.-- and assigned a position --usually Moderator at first... depending on skills. Then you work your way up.

Hello GaRHaR,

I guess what I was inquiring about is that the system is running right now, as a matter of fact I'm writing this post on it. So my question is: Wouldn't things be set for an OS as it sits right now, knowing that there is an Os operating on it already. The only change I'm going to make is a different HD. I'ts going to be an SATA drive (the same as the drive thats in there right now), just a different maker of the drive. I'm going from a Hitachi to a Maxtor.
Other than that the system itself seems to run very well.

Thank you, Valis.
Maybe with a little more knowledge, I would like to apply for a staff position.