Update: Another place in the HP Help pages told me I could get to the HD test through pressing Escape at bootup, NOT F10.
The Drive Self Test report error #7.
I later downloaded the latest Support software fot [Start->Help & Support]. It's HD test reports error #5 with dire warnings about failure.
A chat w/ HP support comes next.
seacue
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Edited to add: I see that Mssrs HP want about 2/3-rds the price of a new laptop just for a replacement HD. More research needed before going their route.
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Edited again to add that the HD seems to have met its end..... Bye.....
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Edited yet again on Sunday to say the executing CHKDSK brings the machine back to life. Don't know for how long.
sc
Last edited by seacue; 16th July 2006 at 18:48.