[bnorth99]

thanks wombar anmd javalord,
I think you're absolutely right - I will just get a new DVD drive ( any advice there ? I spose it doen't matter that much) and get a friend help me replace it !
at least it was a cheapish PC but £600 is still not peanuts !

and you're right re trade magazine recommendations - and the rest are no better
Computer "advice you can trust" Buyer are touting Eclipse this month despite the web full of complaints about them !
computerbuyer.co.uk/registration/index.php?p=e&i=46e680444e7ddd2a