I see, so if it can't boot from the hitachi, it will look for the next bootable device. I just cannot figure out why the maxtor will not step up for the task?

I If you have that is obviously defective that has some boot instructions on it but will not boot fully why would you leave that task to the defective one, It CAN boot from the hitachi you're on it now right.
It picks the first one that's bootable that first on the list whether defective --or not. BIOS code is VERY Basic--

so move the Maxtor up in the BIOS--- keep cranker as backup for emergency use only

Somehow, someway that pc repair shop managed to get the OS on the Hitachi( and make it so it boots). That was after I attempted two or three times with that same drive. What is it that they did to make it work??
I took the Hitachi out when I got the new Maxtor. Brand new drive. But, it went to the same blue screen/stop code as the Hitachi did when I tried to put the OS on it. The PC shop won't tell me what the did to get it installed. Ancient Chinese secret I guess!

I d/l'ed a hard drive tester from Hitachi. One that is for this specific drive. I ran the test, and it came back with a code that tells them that the drive is defective. Under the Waranty, they are going to replace the drive if I can send it back within 30 days. So that will take care of old cranker!!

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.