Since I couldnt switch off in any way, I wasnt too comfortable in having to forcefully do so by using the technique of sliding the battery out whilst the power light was still on, but after reinserting the battery, I have had no issues at all. Ill try the switch on trick for 30 seconds with both the battery+psu removed to see if that helps with static, thanks. Many websites seem to hint towards static being a potential ram" target="_blank">http://www.sevenforums.com/crashes-debugging/43464-what-do-if-your-laptop-wont-start-up.html">ram memory module or general" target="_blank">http://www.hootoo.com/blog/static-electricityinvisible-killer-of-laptop.html">general laptop killer. I just wonder how large the risk really is, but then I may well be proof thats its at least definately out there.

I thought initially that the hard drive may have been at fault, as I had forgotten about good 'ol static. After re-inserting the battery earlier today, it has been working fine. The only thing I had done that was out of the ordinary the day before, was listen to 'last.fm' radio for about an hour, but that was it-I almost thought I had overworked the system and should have stuck to T in the park on freeview instead-and if there was a better range of bands on, I might've just done that ;) thanks :)