I'm not sure how much more i have to offer, but I would try resetting CMOS, just because you mentioned that spinright error, If that doesnt work, you might try using an old hd (if you've got one kicking around) and install vista on it, or formatting the drive and reinstalling xp, then vista.
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vista 64 on these rigs
Q9450 @ 3.5Ghz | E8400 @ 4.2Ghz
8gb Muskin Redline. | 2gb Kingston Hyperx
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EVGA 780i FTW ----\--||___||--/---- EVGA 780i SLI
Antec TP Quatro 1000W \ :==^==: / Antec TP Quatro 850W.
Nvidia 9800 GX2 X 2 SLI \|--o--|/ Nvidia 8800 GTS X 2 SLI
1X 500GB Western Digital. \_____/ 3X 150GB WD RAPTOR RAID-0
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