Derf, can you call your Puter tech-supt ?? . I had the same prob as you, but they seem to at least have it subdued ... Believe me, they are ALL aware of it .... You shouldn't hafta get a new hardDrive .... Now, watch me be wrong ....
OK......This may be too simple but.......Right click on the IE symbol on your desktop and select properties. What does it show as your Home Page, at the top?