In a message to Anthony about "hpfs problem", Paul said:

PE> Well recent changes are plugging the printer in (which has caused me
PE> problems with my old computer),

Nothing's impossible, but...

PE> turning the computer upside down so that I could plug in the
PE> backpanel which had hitherto been sitting next to my bookshelf,

Oh dear.  

PE> and plugging in a null modem
PE> cable into COM3 to connect to my Amiga.

Even less likely than the printer...

PE> I suppose the power cable on the HD could have come loose.

Yeah, given the upside-down treatment...

'tnt, Amfony.                                                                 
--- Maximus/2 2.01wb