I know for a fact that virii tend to do that, but since you just formatted, that's a very unlikely cause. Look under Device Manager and make sure that all your drivers are installed properly. Check to see if there are any exclamation marks or something next to any devices. If drivers, especially for you hard drive, are not installed properly, you will get the message "some drives using MS-DOS compatability" under the Performance tab. Regarding the autoexec.bat and config.sys files, it's fine that they are empty. Usually CD-ROM drives put entries in them in order to function correctly, but as long as your computer boots properly, there is no need to worry about those empty files.

-Ralph
Dell Dimension 8100
C7VCH01

...image and java free for your reading pleasure...

Jweightm,

There is a list of troubleshooting steps available here.

http://webpages.homestead.com/djdenham/files/JYD1.gif"> name="link1" value="NO"> http://webpages.homestead.com/djdenham/files/JYD2.gif"> name="link2" value="NO"> http://webpages.homestead.com/djdenham/files/JYD3.gif"> name="link3" value="NO"> Sorry, your browser doesn't support Java.

Want to make a hyperlink in your post, want to add a graphic or sound file, need to troubleshoot a non-working Java applet, want to build an attractive signature? These capabilities can be yours if you visit Denny's DellT@lk Tutorials.
For help in deciding what can be eliminated from your Startup list, take a look here.
Want to get rid of Network Neighborhood, change your Registered Owner name? Check out the little utilities at Delltalk Tweekz.
Ready to sign up for Web server space? Want to learn FTP? Visit Web Presence for Beginners.

Note: I do not answer Instant Messages.