actually, have run into this problem before on gateway computers. the system was running chkdisk and the FAT and system files were truncated and crosslinked. then on boot would look up, even in safe mofe. only could get to command prompt (winME... yuck). thought, yeah sure... Ill let scandisk fix the errors (like that REALLY works), and sure enough it booted to safe mode... although SLOWLY... so, went and pulled the PCI bus to resinatll everything (started as it locking when installing/detecting vid card) and the initial boot was fine... after it detected some of the system info (think it was PCI to PCI), rebooted and WHAM.... lock up. So, BACK to safe mode. Checked DM and noticed something weird. The HDD had the controller listed as 'generic' and drives as generic. So, copied the PIIX drivers into the win directory, ran the setup for the 4 in 1 installation, pulled the PCI bus and voila. 3 1/2 hours of my life wasted on that call. Thanks GOD I'm not in phone support anymore! It's a wonder what having a cert can do. Now sit in a office and do... NOTHING! God, life is goooood. Unless a network station breaks down, router needs configuring, or have to write a CIMbasic script, VB or VBScript.asp... its like getting paid for siting at home. Heheheh.... yes
