Doesn't Tanstaafl use his in Alaska

Yes, indeed.

It doesn't seem likely that any electronic components would be affected by the relatively mild 6 degree C. temperature. More likely are the mechanical componenets - i.e., hard drive.

My old hard drive (40 GB) would start up pretty reliably down to about -15 F, (~-26 C). The new hard drive(s) (80 GB) are a little bit less forgiving -- anything colder than about -5 F (~-20 C) and I get the Hard Drive Not Found message.

However, since you are not getting the HDNF message that argues against a hard drive problem.

Your "cold" startups really shouldn't be causing this problem unless there is a failing component or temperature sensitive solder joint.

tanstaafl.