Jim
>You psychic????... it lasted for the root directory level. As soon as I clicked a plus-sign to get deeper...#$@!@#%^%$#@
>
>I think I'lll format the sucker. But not really expecting it to work.

How much time did you spent on that ? (Assuming a 120-160GB drive)
Get a new 500 GB, test your backup by installing everything from there, work on the new drive for 2 weeks.

Everything is fine ? Format that other sucker into your desperation HD - make it boot every computer you own in a separate multiboot config. Put all data recovery/backup/partitioning software/Linux direct install on it. As it will be not used any more, it might help you in a critical situation without endangering your current data.

Anything important you NOW put on that drive will drive you nuts double checking and backing up!

my 0.04 EUR (been there, done that...)

thomas