Windows Stall

[PaganImage]

Whenever I try to start, it stalls at the Windows ME startup page. I started it in safe mode and got an error that said"
"Windows cannot read from Drive C:. If this is a network drive, make sure the network is working. If it is a local drive, check the disk." I am given the chance to cancel, abort, or retry. Canelling and retrying brings back the error message, and aborting simply bring up the timeglass icon as if it is loading, but nothing ever loads.

Before this happened, the only thing I did was put winzip from winzip.com on the computer. Then, I turned it off, turned it back on and the error above was what occured.

I then thought perhaps I should reformat. So, using disk two of the system restoration tool to restore the computer, I attempted. It began smoothly at the Setup page, but now I am getting an error that says:
"Not ready reading drive A."
Then it gives the option to Abort, Retry, Fail. No matter which one I choose, I get a prompt that says C:\CABS>. I have no idea what that is for or what to do.

[Tom]

Hello PaganImage,
Sorry for the long delay. Had revisited your post a few times but hesitated respnding until I could get a handle on what seems like a complex scenario. Although your second error would at first glance represent a floppy drive problem, both errors seem to be happening in relation to reading from/writing to your hard disk. One handy way to check this is to download Seagate's free utility from Here (http://www.seagate.com/support/seatools/). This can be used to create a diagnostic floppy you then put in your problem pc and then start it and follow the instructions. Why not try this, then post back with the results.

Make sure you open the case and double check all cable connections too.