[Frantzie]

If I buy a new machine - can I install my old hard drive and access the files and programs using Windows Explore file system?

I hate having to copy everything over to a new drive.

I may test to see if the PS is the issue with an old HP PS. If it is not the PS then the machine goes in the trash.

Thanks to all.

[astyanax]

"If I buy a new machine - can I install my old hard drive and access the files and programs...
Very easily. You can either install it as a secondary (may need to make a bios setting change or two) or just buy an IDE/SATA (depending on your drive type) to USB converter for <$20. They also sell enclosures for this.

[sadamico]

You should be able to cannibalize the old eMachine parts and place into a new box with a new Motherboard. I would have the RAM checked before using it in the new PC. The RAM chips could have suffered some ill effects from the PS burn out.

[VRWCmember]

You can probably get a better mother board for about $50 to $80, and you can get a 400w or 500w power supply for less than $70 (if you decide to upgrade the machine later on with a better processor etc, you will be glad you didn’t skimp on the PS)

[Rum Tum Tugger]

If I buy a new machine - can I install my old hard drive and access the files and programs using Windows Explore file system?

That's easy if you want to use the old hard drive as a slave. But if you want to use it as the boot drive, that takes some effort, but it can be done. You'll need to run a Windows repair install, reinstall the chipset drivers and then apply all the Windows updates. If you decide to go that route, Google "windows repair install" to get directions on how to do it safely.

[AppyPappy]

You can keep the files but you have to reinstall Windows.