Windows

The problem you describe can have many causes. Since the server hangs for serveral minutes, vs. hours, I suspect the Logical Disk Manager Administrative service is set to startup type of Automatic instead of the default setting of Manual. To correct this start Registry Editor (Regedt32.exe find the "Start Value" under the following registry key:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\dmadmin
Double-click the "Start Value" in the right pane. Change the data value to 3. Click OKto save the changes.
Quit Registry Editor.
Reboot the computer.

This should resolve your problem.

well, I don't know what the other guy just said.... but to me it sounds like a hard drive contoler error. download a diag program from your drive manufactuers web site and run the test. if it fails, replace the drive. if not, the try to reinstall win 2k and choose the repair option.