[ajazzie]

Bluesdude,
This certainly sounds like hard drive related issues to me. Keep a look out for little quirks when using non ptools stuff ie general system activities as this may be a sign of your drive settling in for a long sleep, I hope not as I have been through that.
I really cant help you here though I suggest a serious back up just in case.
Good Luck

Ajazzie

A true gentleman is one who can play bagpipes yet chooses not to.