well, i was able to play for almost 2 hours today and my game only crashed once!!!  getting better luck it seem, well, kinda.  my sound card died yesterday night so i was playing without sound, which kinda sucked. 

anyway, i'm packing up my computer tonight and taking it with me (i'm moving).  after i unpack in the next few days, i plan on getting a new disk drive (my current one is old and way small).  since i need a new format anyway, i figure getting a bigger drive and a clean install will be the best thing.  i will have to get a new sound card as well, but i'm hoping this will take care of my problem (whatever it may be). 

i should be all set in about 2 weeks.  by then i should be settled in my house and ready to be another target for you guys on your server.