I've decided to take the mature approach to solving my computer's ills - I'm going to format the bitch and start from scratch.
(To my computer: You heard me. I've had it with not being able to figure out what's wrong, let alone fix it. As soon as M. sends me my Windows 2K cd (which, as it turns out, is where it turned up - sorry Mom!), you and your little viri are toast!
But, because I do love you in spite of it all, I will be getting you more RAM.)