I'll read through all of your helpful posts when I get home tonight, thanks very much for the input.
But this morning, lo and behold, she started up! Really slowly, and with several "Hey, I just recovered from a serious error, do you want me to fix..." messages.
I'm trying to install Service Pack 1 for Win7 but the install won't complete - Should I bother?
Of course I already ordered a replacement drive
and the Acer restore discs. I guess I'll return the HD (or should I hang on to it?) but keep the restore CDs, just in case.
Thanks again, everyone