we get an error message: bfconn failes from bfnxt (438). everything seems to still operate except when we defrage the hard drive there is a large block of red that does not defrag but it says that defrag is complete. this error message also shows up on the work pcs when we start the software log on. we hit escape and everything is fine.

If you suspect the disk then I'd download and run the disk manufacturers diagnostic tools. Not enough of the error for us to know but if the error is returned from the software I'd take it up with software developer tech support. (possibly here http://www.peg.com/) Regards, Dave Patrick .... Microsoft Certified Professional Microsoft MVP [Windows]