INACCESSIBLE_BOOT_DEVICE The error usually looks like this *** STOP: 0x0000007B (0x8196C270,0xC0000032,0x00000000,0x00000000) INACCESSIBLE_BOOT_DEVICE Is that what you had a blue screen? STOP 0x0000007B errors are caused by device driver issues (especially those related to hard drive and other storage controllers), viruses, data corruption, and sometimes even hardware failures. Keep your eyes on it.

he did reboot after selecting normal startup correct? he should check that the startup option for Normal Startup on the first tab is selected and make sure that the SAFEBOOT check box is UNCHECKED on the BOOT.INI tab. also you should know that Diagnostic Startup deletes System Restore Points. From an MVP "If you do NOT clear the selection for "Load System Services", the System restore points would be retained due to the fact, for one, that System Restore service would still be enabled. " If you UNCHECKED "Load System Services" in a "Selective Startup". De-selecting "Load System Services" will temporarily disable Microsoft services (such as, Networking, Plug and Play, Event Logging, and Error Reporting) as well as permanently deleting all restore points for the System Restore utility. You should not, therefore do this if you either want to retain your restore points for System Restore or if you're likely to need to use a Microsoft service to further investigate the problem you're having.) On the other hand, "Diagnostic Startup" involves a step by step monitoring of basic device drivers and services. It allows you to monitor and check each of those drivers and services. Have you tried going into services at msconfig and making sure all your normal services are still set to auto or on? Have you Tried "Last Known Good Configuration" from the F8 startup selection screen? this may be helpful Controlling the system configuration and services

Sorry, False Alarm! Just got this... "Panic's over. One of my grand-daughters, Rebecca, has just visited me. She took a quick look at the computer, and said "You've been clicking on a search setting for Amazon instead of Goggle." Problem solved. I'm sorry for troubling you." Regards, Shax

Finally got to the computer after a long, busy day. Pouring rain didn't help, but thank God for the rain. Anyway, I believe I'll try the uninstall in Safe Mode, and I'll be very careful to make sure the vsutil.dll is actually a ZA file before removing it. Since I don't have the Zone Alarm icon in my taskbar, I'll go directly to Start>Programs>Zone Labs and start from there (in Safe Mode of course). I probably won't get to this until some time Saturday, but I'll post back with the results. And thanks to all who have offered help. By the way, with the help of Owbist, I think we know what my sound problem is. Not sure I can fix it, but it CAN be fixed. Look at the "Lost My Sound" thread for details.