STOP hooking the external drive up to the laptop!!!!!

Thats where the virus is!

Get what you need off of the Dell.com website or the internet off of Free software downloads and software reviews - CNET Download.com or other well known websites.

Download whatever you need to a USB drive that is plugged into your other laptop, then stick it in the 610 laptop and load it from the USB thumb drive.

I also vote hardware problem. Ram or the board.

You can most likely find replacement everything on ebay.

Time for a new, faster computer.

Win 7 is very nice.

But why would it have been working fine in safe mode and then also for a few hours after my first reload of Windows?

Hey Rick - I don't know if you missed my post or not. I have a D600 that I'm about to sell for scrap. If you want to try your hard drive in this machine you're welcome to it. If not, I'm going to put it on Craigslist for $75 to make way for the new one I just ordered.

If you think my problem is related to either my RAM or motherboard, then perhaps your machine would work with my new HD and Windows OS disc. Can I try it before I buy it?

Lee,

If Rick does not take the laptop, I will. I have a D600 here that can use some spare bits for as well. It works but seen better days. Its used for a knock around laptop around the house.

Joe

No need to buy. It's yours if you want it.

I'll take it. Any chance you're gonna be north of your home today or tomorrow?

Sorry, but no. Besides, "north" for me is I-10 and Elliot.