Typically the issue you are having is NOT the hard drive but rather either a root kit or virus. BUT if you are using a new hard drive that would get around the root kit issue, as long as you do not have any other drives in the system that might be infected and in turn infect this drive.
I have seen this problem a few times, and it can be pretty nasty. Microsoft security essentials is free and does a pretty good job. I know others have made comments re media player but as you have found out Microsoft does NOT put the dvd playback/codec software in the package. So you either buy one of the packages MS recommends or use the K lite codec package
Sharyn
I have seen this problem a few times, and it can be pretty nasty. Microsoft security essentials is free and does a pretty good job. I know others have made comments re media player but as you have found out Microsoft does NOT put the dvd playback/codec software in the package. So you either buy one of the packages MS recommends or use the K lite codec package
Sharyn