While it should clear the 8500 of whatever problems is
plaguing it my only concern before we start this procedure
is will the original 1TB hd function normally afterwards
and will it recognize the external hd's so we can finish cloning?
Otherwise I will have lost the #3 for nothing.

or should I call Microsoft and see if they can activate
the OS? Or will I have to do both? I don't mid the risk
as long as I don't loose everything in the process.

My only concern is to get the 8500 back to normal meaning
so that external hd can successfully connect so we can finish
cloning. All we need is (1) clone and were home free. We
were almost there with #3 but maybe we can use it to repair
the damage.

Robert