Sorry for the off topic question, but realizing there are some terrific PC experts among us:

I began experiencing erratic PC computer 'startup' problems about a week ago. I think my secondary 40 GB Maxtor hard drive (partitioned into two 20 GB sectors : 'F' & 'G' respectively, may be the cause of the problem. Occasionally (and happening more and more now) upon inital startup (or reboot), I get a message that says a disk check (chkdsk) is being performed on either (or both) the 'F' or 'G' secondary drive . It proceeds to check the HD and often replaces files to supposedly correct problems. Other times, it says it can't fix it, and other times, the computer boots up, but then not allow access to the secondary 'F' or 'G' HD.

In attempt to solve the problem, after backing the data, I completely re-formatted both sectors (F & G) of the secondary hard drive. I then ran Norton Disk Doctor & Speed Disk and the drive checked out fine. The computer may boot up fine the next time, but subsequently, on a further reboot or startup, the initial problem occurs again. I also ran Norton WinDoctor on my primary drive and everything checks out fine there as well.

I'm pretty convinced now it must be this secondary HD that's the source of all my recent Windows startup problems, but wanted to get feedback from PC gurus here first before having to lay down cash on a new hard drive. Is it possible to disable my PC from looking at (seeing) this HD in an attempt to isolate the problem specifically to this drive?

If I do need to purchase a new HD, which brand(s) and model(s) & size is recommended? How large should the partitions be? Btw, my computer is a 1.8 gigahertz Dell Dimension 8200 running Windows XP.

Thanks in advance for all help.

Scott