Hi-
Ok, I think I get it now.
I was able to use the restore CD and the steps listed here:
http://www.sevenforums.com/installa...-repair-menu-doesnt-see-operating-system.html
to get the computer to boot.
I had also removed some programs that I had installed as Add-ins to Excel. I suspect the culprit may have been the virus mentioned above and/or the add-in (SQLDrill). No bsod in almost 24 hours after turning on verifier. I even did the uber-vlookup that caused the problem originally in Excel and no BSOD. I have kept verifier settings on and will for 36 hours as recommended.
But if it does go to BSOD I will post the dump files, because I read here:
http://www.sevenforums.com/crash-lo...-driver-verifier-identify-issues-drivers.html
the idea is to purposefully get the system to BSOD so you can identify what driver is causing the problem by uploading the dumps.
But since I have had not BSOD in 24 hours, I will wait til 36 hours and then disable Verifier as discussed here:
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/101379-driver-verifier-enable-disable.html
I think I see light at the end of the tunnel.
Don't want to jinx myself, but thank you very much for all the help. Really quite amazed even now at how far back to normal I've been able to get to, particularly from how bad it got. Seemed to be BSOD if I just looked at it the wrong way. Then after turning on Verifier it wouldn't even boot from hard drive. That was scary. But I just used the repair disc and followed the partition steps mentioned above when no operating system listed and I'm back.
(Most of above is really for next person who finds himself in same position as me, figured I would put a bunch of links all in one place.)
Awesome. Will post again after 36 hours.
Assuming all works out, above it says "Please rep anyone who helps you". What does that mean? And do I "rep" someone?
Thanks,
luckydad