Posted on 11/23/2004 6:10:21 AM PST by ladtx
If you use your computer for Internet, email, and other light applications you do NOT need a new system. Hard drives are relatively cheap and easy to install. "Kits" are available that provide everything necessary. Make sure you have the Owners Manual for the PC and study the section on "upgrades".
You will also need your Operating System disk(s) and other programs you use. Everything will have to be reloaded on the new hard drive. Be sure to install a good anti-virus sofware, and spend time on the MicroSoft website to download all the latest upgrades. Same for other programs you load - update everything.
It's a pretty easy process. All you need is a screwdriver, a couple of hours (mainly waiting for programs to load), and some patience. You will probably notice an significant improvement since your old hard drive probably died a slow death.
Good luck!
... not the way I build 'em. I pay a lot more when I custom build - because I have to have the best of every component. But I do it because I have absolute control over the system and there are no integration and dependency issues.
I vote for a new one. Four years is about it and the technology changes so much it isn't worth it to go through all the aggravation. I bought two new Dells and the software is already installed. I just plugged it in and went right to work.
Check out the DELL deals on
http://www.gotapex.com/
They sell them complete for less than it would cost to buy parts and build one.
Enough with all the geek testosterone.
Is there anything on your hard drive that you can't do without? If not, toss it and buy a new PC.
If so, and you have no technical skills (like most of the previous posters) call 1-800-GEEK SQUAD. It's Best Buy's in-your-home service. I've used them before and they're good at solving your problems. It'll cost about $150 flat fee, plus any parts at Best Buy's normal price. If that sounds like too much, buy a new one.
I'm a Dell and a Gateway computer owner. Buy a Dell!
After four years you should replace the older computer anyways. I use my old Gateway as a backup for Dell.
Since we are all busy helping out a guy that needs advice, would it be OK if someone answers my questions????? My wife likes to use OUTLOOK, she picked up some virii?? viruses, whatever. I cannot completely get rid of them.....they are a pain, they keep coming back. I am sure they are just hiding somewhere, waiting for a reboot to spring to life again. How to fix the computer? I thought of buying a new 120 or even a 250 gig HD, but how to save my data, how to reformat........I went to the store and bought a DVD burner in thoughts of transfering pictures etc, then trashing the old hard drive........HELP..........
You don't need to replace IBM computers. You can keep them running indefinitely. The difference? You can always find parts for an IBM, always download recovery software, and updates and tech info are always available to registered users. We still have an IBM computer from 95 that is running beautifully.
Why use your brain, when in your case it is so small?
Get thee Ghost, and forever rest in peace.
When my computer got scrambled last weekend and refused to boot, it took me a half hour to get back up to speed.
Of course, it helped that ALL of my data is on the "D" partition...
: )
When the virus software identifies the virus. Go to the Symantic virus info page for the identified virus. Read the directions and download the fix for that virus. The fix are slow so don't plan on using the computer while the fixes are running. The directions may tell you that you have to do something manually as well, depending on the virus.
If your virus software is kept up to date, and you do the above and you switch to Safari, Firefox or Opera you will be a happy camper.
2004-09-10
I might just get an IBM next time. I have gotten Compaq and they are the worst computers in the world!
Nope. SONY computers are the worse!
IBM's may cost a little more up front, but they are so worth it.
* worst
An old PC with no HD and two NICs makes a great linux firewall. Coyote Linux
In computer lingo, that is an antique. Time for a new CPU, they've gotten cheaper. I'd bet you could get twice the unit for half the price you paid for your old one.
Trend Micro's Free Online Scan
If nothing is found, you've got a malicious spyware infestation. My Homepage can be of some assistance.
There are some really nasty ones that install themeselves as services, run invisibly(similar to eblaster), etc. For the most part however, my homepage will get you through most normal infestations.
I've heard that IBM's are like workhorses. I just may invest in one next time.
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