@ lordshodan : you can extract the 5960 dash from slayers (xbins) and be wise, don't use S.I.D. , pick one of the Krayzie installers ...
@ zoidman : I doubt the problem is with the hdd or it's contents. Looks like a video setting is screwed up. And if I remember correct these settings are stored on the eeprom, not the hdd. Keep in mind I'm not an expert on these video problems but :
* If you can still read the text on screen, check if you have the correct video setting for your region and/or format.
* You might want to try the Enigma video switcher (downloadable)
* No clue about that refresh disc, but if it's that original MS disc it might be pretty pricy and very sought after ...
* If you still want to erase that hdd, there are many ways .... either use your xboxhdm, or, if you can still connect through ftp, simply connect, delete everything and replace with an original dash. (just delete stuff on c: , leave everything else alone)
* If you have your eeprom backup you could use 'configmagic' to put back your original eeprom with correct videosettings.