[admin]

I got my computer back, free of charge (Yay!), but still no idea of what was wrong with it.

Do you know if they replaced anything? It sure sounds like you have a hardware problem. Probably your motherboard, RAM, or CD-ROM drive (in that order). I'd bring it back to the store again.

[Advertisements]

I have an idea for you, ever heard of Knoppix?
It's a Linux system on a CD.
If you have access to another computer with a burner go to
Knoppix
download the ISO and burn a disc.
Set your bios to boot from the cd, pop in the Knoppix disc and you will know if its a hardware or software issue you are dealing with.
If its not hardware, you will be able to click on your hard drive and read the files on it. If you need to reload windows files its pretty easy . You need to mount the hard drive, then change the permissions to read/write.
Just be carefull! You log onto Knoppix as root.

[rowdy]

I have an idea for you, ever heard of Knoppix?
It's a Linux system on a CD.
If you have access to another computer with a burner go to
Knoppix
download the ISO and burn a disc.
Set your bios to boot from the cd, pop in the Knoppix disc and you will know if its a hardware or software issue you are dealing with.
If its not hardware, you will be able to click on your hard drive and read the files on it. If you need to reload windows files its pretty easy . You need to mount the hard drive, then change the permissions to read/write.
Just be carefull! You log onto Knoppix as root.

[mtDNA]

Just wanted to update the situation: I finally have a working computer again! Only 3 months later!
Traded in my faulty Mobo, picked up a new one (different brand, however) and all my problems have disappeared.
Thanks again for all of your advice!

[admin]

Thanks for the update