Pc Maintenance, Upgrade, Etc.

[torrenova]

By all reckoning, I need a new power supply or fan (HP Presario P4 2.93ghz 2+ years old) as the bloody fan keep going on even after cleaning it.

I'm also having some issues with the PC in general which I can only put down to whatever has happened since I bought it, downloaded stuff, files I've created etc.

I'd also like to get it into shape for the next couple of years perhaps (without having to fork out for a new one !).

So what about this plan.

I buy an external hard disk (internal is only 80gb) and save all the stuff I want (I back important stuff to disc anyway). They give the PC to Somchai to clean the HD completely and start again. Now to me, that should get rid of any crap which is causing issues now. Bit like descaling the kettle I like to think.

Then Somchai puts in some new RAM. I have 512+256 but it only shows as 512 for the last few months but I know the 512 and 256 are there. Maybe add a gig of RAM ?

Somchai then installs my new DVD burner in the available slot.

He then installs XP Pro and I take the PC home. I then reinstall the files I want from the external HD.

My questions are:

Do I effectively get a "new" PC ? If not, what should i do ?

Would you advise to do anything differently ?

Don't want to spend mega bucks but I'd rather get it speeded up again (runs slow now and crashes more).

Also, I've got USB 2.0 but I wonder whether it is better to stick with the external HD and keep the small internal HD or get a better internal (larger) HD. Really I'm looking at speed issues.

Finally, anything else you can advise to extend the life of this PC would be great. I don't do games just some VBA and analytics but I like to download stuff (have ADSL 2048/512) and I don't like slowness or crashes.

Thanks

[JSixpack]

By all reckoning, I need a new power supply or fan (HP Presario P4 2.93ghz 2+ years old) as the bloody fan keep going on even after cleaning it.

Huh? The fan on a power supply is supposed to run to keep it cool--when the computer is on. Good thing your cleaning didn't damage the fan.

If you really need a new power supply, get a good one like Enermax, not the usual el-cheapo.

So what about this plan.

Your computer isn’t very old. It shouldn’t have any major issues, though of course it could have some.

The crashing may well be caused by mismatched or failed memory. Hence some of it doesn’t show up. Install another 512 stick that is compatible w/ your system. For your needs, 1G total is fine (“experts” here will recommend 2G or more, but won't pay you for the unneeded extra).

Most on this forum, and most Thai shops, don’t know enough about Windows to tune it well or fix any problems. Hence most will advise you to reformat and reinstall, without bothering or knowing to tell you to specify NTFS for the file system.

But I say don’t bother to install Windows XP. That’s always a waste of time (and money, if you’re paying) unless a virus has destroyed so many operating system files that the system is practically unbootable. Some viruses are very nearly ineradicable, too, so they will re-infect anything you repair. A few corrupt files (the usual case) you can easily repair with the Windows System File Checker:

http://ask-leo.com/what_is_the_system_file...o_i_run_it.html

Better to learn now how to clean and maintain your current Windows installation. You can keep your Windows running great forever. Although my installation is about 6 years old and has been pushed relentlessly, yet it spins like a top.

Here are the basics:

• Download, install, update, and run a good anti-vir like AVG, anti-spyware (Ad-Aware, Spybot), and system cleaner (CCleaner).

• Defrag your HD

• Turn off unneeded startup programs and services, and uninstall unneeded toolbars and browser helper objects. Autoruns, from Sysinternals, is excellent for the purpose. If you don’t know what a program or process is, you can check such sources as

http://www.liutilities.com/products/wintas...rary/index.html

http://www.greatis.com/appdata/

For a list of unneeded services, see here:

http://www.johntp.com/2006/04/28/how-to-sp...secure-your-pc/

If you’re backing up important files to CD or DVD, then no need for external drive unless you want to image your drive to avoid a full re-installation when your 80G finally dies--as it may at any time it pleases.

[torrenova]

Anyone else care to comment or suggets a place in Pattaya to get it done. I know but just saying Tukcom is not what I need.

Cheers