flat5

Thanks for the input!

I believe the hd is ok.
I moved it to another machine to retrieve data and
have repartitioned it with a complete format as part of the XP install.
No hint of a problem.

No obvious heat problem.
Floppy light or motor never went on.
Tried another floppy power connector and drive.
Not another data cable.
Not to concerned about this except that it may indicate more serious MB problems.
Heat does not seem to be a problem and the Memtest ran fine for 3 hours.
XP or Ubuntu install freezes after 2 to 6 minutes, I guess.

Perhaps the power supply has to work harder when installing software than when running Memtest.
Certainly more HD access. A random spike is all it takes to freeze the machine.

I guess I'll go to the trouble of throwing another PS at it.

Thanks again.