"Michael Cash" <mikecash@sunfield.ne.jp> wrote in message
news:7cgoev09sgr8h6693j8t4470t1inhtn0o0@4ax.com...
> For the first time, I have gotten pissed off enough to actually throw
> computer parts about and smash them. My keyboard is missing the little
> legs that prop it up at a comfortable angle now.
>
> After installing the wonderful XP operating system and enjoying its
> wonderful stability for several days....I now find that it has decided
> it no longer knows where either of my CD drives are, and the stability
> issue extends to its steadfastness in refusing to recognize them.
>
> Any advice?
>

I thought we weren't ever going to get you into the world of XP Michael?

That useless advice aside.  Have you upgraded (assuming so) or performed a
'clean' installation?  Each time I've performed the former I've had some
problems.  Each time with the latter - touch wood - things have been fine
and dandy.  Invest in a new 120gig (lowest you can seem to buy these days)
hard disk and install to that.  Keep the existing drive as a slave.  A lot
of programs will obviously need to be re-installed but it's a great
opportunity to 'clean-house', which will greatly increase overall speed.
E-mail accounts and other settings can be transferred en mass through the
Files and Settings Transfer wizard.  Still, the writing down of all existing
usernames and passwords is advised.

Windows XP still has problems with video card drivers - or video card
drivers have problems with Windows XP!  Anyway, these two in combination are
the most likely cause of any system hangs, or the now infamous sudden
rebooting with a really, really useful message upon returning to the XP
desktop : "The system has recovered from a serious problem"!

jonathan