something that really bites my butt

and that is windows acting up, and you can't do a damn thing about it.  such is the case right now.  i can't seem to start up nero's backup program.  it acts like it's starting up, but it poops out right before it starts up.  iow, i dont see any additional windows on my desktop.  so, i try to run task manager (right click on the tray), but that will only run minimized, and clicking on it has no effect - it doesn't bring forth the task manager window.  so i can't quit out of that.  i'm afraid to do anything else to my system.  i might have to jus wipe the disk clean and reiunstall from the very beginning with the install cds that i got when i got the machine.  it's a lot of work re-establishing a /home, but sometimes is something that can't be helped.

so wish me luck.  i think i'll do this tomorrow tho.  it's getting a bit late for doing it tonite.  plus, i got up really early today, so i'm kinda tired.