Story so far: PC suffered regular BSOD episodes and eventually crashed with the message that the file WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SYSTEM was missing when I booted up. Reformated the HDD and reinstalled Win XP Pro and SP2 from disks. Reinstalled drivers for Asrock K7S41 motherboard and installed Linksys wireless pci card. So far so good, all running OK. Then installed McAfee internet security suite 2006, that went OK untill it asked for a reboot to finish installation, result: WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SYSTEM was missing again and I can't boot up! Well I reinstalled everything creating restore points as I went along and so far it was working. Just booted up to carry on installation and guess what, windows kindly informed me that the same file had to be replaced with a back up copy. Rebooted again and black screen with error message. So downloaded Maxtor's Powermax and ran the quick test and got: This drive is failing error code c795d46e Anyone know what that error code means? Ran the quick check twice more with no errors! Ran the full check with no errors. Beginning to think that my HDD has an intermittent fault, anyone else any better ideas? Seems odd that it is always the same file missing, would a failing HDD have this effect? Thanks for any help Shaun

From the Maxtor site: What to do if PowerMax generates an eight digit diagnostic code: Replace the drive. An eight digit diagnostic code indicates that the drive is failing and should be replaced as soon as possible. Backup your data, if possible, and obtain a RMA, provided the drive is still under warranty. The eight digit code will be required to obtain a return authorization (RMA). For information on warranty status and drive replacement (RMA) please visit our Warranty Information Page. The system folder could become corrupt if it is installed on the same bad sector each time you install the OS.