Yep, backups are no problem. I'm covered.
I just formatted, instead of trying to fiddle with bootdisks.
I wasn't really in a crisis. I've been so annoyed by the timing and poor financial timing of all this computer trouble, that I just don't care anymore. I didn't touch the stuff until a few days after it arrived.
Its running now, so I can get back to writing those wonderfull essays that I love so much
Seriously though, thanks for all the input in this thread and the original one a few weeks back. It's been much appreciated.