Hi shark, My guess is that your master boot record is what got discombobulated somehow. I'm glad that you knew to use a linux live cd to view and (if needed) recover your files. I'm assuming you used Knoppix. I highly recommend any Windows user to go to the knoppix.net website and burn a copy to have around for just such an emergency. If I were you, or anyone else using Windows as their only operating system, I would have a "dual boot" setup... Go to the ubuntu.com (actually I like kubuntu at http://www.kubuntu.org/) linux site and burn a free copy. Remove any unneeded files in Windows. Do a file de-fragmentation from your control pannel. Re-boot from the ubuntu cd which will load the Linux os/desktop that's on the disk. This is also a live cd, so you can just pop it in and boot it up with out messing up the Windows environment at all. Click the install icon and follow the instructions. They're really easy! Here's what will happen... Ubuntu install is smart, in that it will allow you to install Linux after your Windows setup (it won't hurt a thing!), automatically partitioning and setting up a new master boot record so that you will have the option to boot into either operating system when you start up your box. Realize that Ubuntu/Kubuntu has an automatic package management system that will give you mindless installs of over 16,000 pieces of free software. I used to use gentoo linux and recently switched to kubuntu and it is fantastic. If anyone has any questions, ask me, or anyone can feel free to PM me. -kt Btw... For those that don't know, a live cd is a complete linux operating system that is entirely usable from the cd. Pop in your pocket and carry it where ever you go. Boot it up and it won't mess with Windows or your hard-drive at all.