Thanks to all for your exquisite advice. I removed the HD, checked it on a friends laptop and sent my laptop without the HD. I must give the ASUS tech support folks some kudos. The laptop came with a 2 year warranty and Each of the 5 times I called I got a live person within 5 minutes. I'll withhold final judgment until it is returned or replaced satisfactorily. Happy Ought 10 to you all. Gratefully, Izzy -- Izzy Gesell, CSP(Certified Speaking Professional) Author, Keynoter, Facilitator, Co-Author "Cancer and the Healing Power of Play" www.cancerandthehealingpowerofplay.com Program clips at http://www.youtube.com/user/humorology Teaching people how to change negative self-talk into positive in order to become more confident, spontaneous and effective. 413-586-2634 www.izzyg.com izzy at izzyg.com