hello Bert,
the local tech guys could not fix it so had to restore from a backup
the backup is a system image file .
with a new HD in place, initially used the repair disc but it could not find the image file on the backup - finally after removing all other files on that ext HD it did recognize it but got stuck at formatting and partitioning the drive ( though it has been formatted already) and will not go further . No success in gaining the licence key either as there is no sticker and it came preinstalled , so no disc . tried to retrieve key via software but no success , it is embedded in mother board per manufacturers web site .
so only solution seems to be to find some way to restore the image or buy new software
cant boot the computer with old HD so cannot run any virus scan - it just died after win update .
bala