Can I Just Buy a New Tower?
I have a 4 year old Gateway that I have increased memory to 512MB RAM, bought a great monitor, added a new modem not long ago. I am running ME and I believe it has become very unstable. I have read that I should not just get XP and install it in the old tower. Is it feasible and practical to buy a new tower with XP installed on a nice new hard drive? Do I have to then lose all my RAM and my modem? Is it possible that a computer repair shop could get a case with the XP and all the other stuff and then reuse my modem at least if not the RAM? I know that computers are very low priced now, but I don't really need the monitor, printer, keyboard and mouse, etc. I hope I get someone who will be kind and answer this question. It ought to be interesting! Thanks!
SOLUTION
membership
This solution is only available to members.
To access this solution, you must be a member of Experts Exchange.
Marj,
Absolutely. You can get whatever you want. Many computer companies sell what they call "bare bones" PCs, which means they come with a new tower, motherboard, CPU, and optionally a new hard drive, memory (RAM), and operating system. You can order them online, or get them locally at a neighborhood shop.
I do agree with Callendor, your memory and a typical video card are not hugh expenses in the general scheme of things, and you would be better off replacing those with new than trying to save a few dollars by saving and transferring what you have. Instead, donate the older computer to a worthy non-profit, and take the tax write-off (assuming you itemize).
You can get a decent custom system from Dell.com, cyberpowersystem.com, ibuypower.com, and others.
Good luck!
Absolutely. You can get whatever you want. Many computer companies sell what they call "bare bones" PCs, which means they come with a new tower, motherboard, CPU, and optionally a new hard drive, memory (RAM), and operating system. You can order them online, or get them locally at a neighborhood shop.
I do agree with Callendor, your memory and a typical video card are not hugh expenses in the general scheme of things, and you would be better off replacing those with new than trying to save a few dollars by saving and transferring what you have. Instead, donate the older computer to a worthy non-profit, and take the tax write-off (assuming you itemize).
You can get a decent custom system from Dell.com, cyberpowersystem.com, ibuypower.com, and others.
Good luck!
If you find a buddy that is familier with computer systems, you could very well build your own computer with the parts that you currently own( a LOT cheaper). A great place to browse around is newegg.com. I've purchased a lot from them and even dealing with items ive accidently fried, i've gotten a replacement for free and fast.
If your interested in knowing more about custom building a PC, feel free to e-mail me
Regards,
David McGraw
If your interested in knowing more about custom building a PC, feel free to e-mail me
Regards,
David McGraw
ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION
membership
This solution is only available to members.
To access this solution, you must be a member of Experts Exchange.
As long as you have a 1.2 GHz system speed, with 512MB RAM and at least a 20-40 GB HDD, XP will work just fine -- and yes, you SHOULD install XP and get rid of ME. ME was such an abomination, MS is still trying to forget it. XP is 10-20x more stable than 98 or ME.
Procedure:
Use ME or 98 to format the 20-40GB HDD to FAT 32. Install or leave ME or 98 on it, because this acts as a way to backup your new XP setup in case it fails (PS a new install of 98-ME is in order, in something other than the C:\windows directory, which you want to keep for XP).
After installing that, then install XP, it will find your original OS, and install it in the C:\windows directory, and now you have a stable OS -- PLUS -- a way to back it up completely by booting into 98/ME.
YOu can't ask for better than this with MS$. YOu just need at least a 1.2 GHz CPU to make it bearable.
Procedure:
Use ME or 98 to format the 20-40GB HDD to FAT 32. Install or leave ME or 98 on it, because this acts as a way to backup your new XP setup in case it fails (PS a new install of 98-ME is in order, in something other than the C:\windows directory, which you want to keep for XP).
After installing that, then install XP, it will find your original OS, and install it in the C:\windows directory, and now you have a stable OS -- PLUS -- a way to back it up completely by booting into 98/ME.
YOu can't ask for better than this with MS$. YOu just need at least a 1.2 GHz CPU to make it bearable.
ASKER
Thanks so much to one and all for your answers. It was rather difficult to choose! I would like to know how one can up the amount of points offered. I wanted to give my question 1000 points but it wouldn't work. I really do appreciate having this site to come to when I am at my wits' end. Thanks again for your excellent help. Marj
You are only allowed to offer 500 points for one question. Glad we could help.
/RID