problem right after aswrvrt.sys

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I do have a crapload of sata cables, I will give that suggestion a shot, but I don't think that it will fix the SMART error.

[essexboy]

Aye if it fails as soon as you plug it in.  It might be worth replacing the cable at the same time

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New cable, same symptoms. I think the drive is done. Still not booting PE, I wonder if that might be a bad burn or a corrupted DL. My son and I now need to figure out what we want to do about the drive. thanks.

[essexboy]

Sorry that I could not provide a better answer

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My son and I now need to figure out what we want to do about the drive. thanks.

Not sure what you had on the HDD but if there is data you need perhaps get this and hook up to other PC as slave.
Hopefully, the HDD is not corrupt enough that you can't get to the files versus it being a boot, O/S HDD.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16812232002
If you don't have this adapter....it is one to have in your desk drawer anyway.....handy.

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The only really important thing was the windows install. My son and I had backed up all the user files a week before the drive died. If I really needed anything I can boot to my ubuntu LiveDrive, and copy additional data off that way.