Hello Fruit Bat
Thank you very much for your reply this is just for confirmation I have logged on several times today and the same things are happening I get some rapid clicking sounds then it starts to log on gets as far as the first windows splash screen then goes back to the beginning with the noises again but on the third attempt of turning off the power and rebooting it seems to log on...just advise me again you think the HDD is failing...cos as this PC is getting old think I might invest in a new one.
I won't hold you to it just so I feel better about if it is the most likely reason it could be the time to update :-))
Regards
Petesilver

I looked on the site but cannot find the WAV files of the noises ??

HI
Thanks for your help think you are right listening to the maxtor sounds which my HDD is.
I think I will just soldier on and see what happens
Most of my important files are on an external HDD so if this fails its not the end of he world and a good excuse to but a new PC :-)
But I do appreciate your help so thank you very much.

hello woodchip
I did run it but did not come up with any thing
The problem is getting worse as it has taken me at least ten attempts to get booted up
as I said it just keeps making clicking noises and nothing sometimes it will start to boot then go back to the beginning and if I am lucky it might boot

Thank you but I think its time for a new PC
yippee now I can convince the wife I need a new one LOL

seriously thanks to all helpers on here I think its brilliant............