Thanks, Nigel. I called my dau. and told her to try that. I hate to keep sounding like a wet blanket, but that didn't work, either. She does notice, now, that the start button and taskbar flash on when it boots up, BUT as they come up and she tries to click on the start button, the list of programs, etc. come up in a flash and just as quickly disappear, again. I've told her to see if anyone she knows has Norton Utilities or Recovery, etc. or send it back us, or take it in. Thanks for all of your help, folks,

kat