Rebuilding a Show Computer

[toodle_pipsky]

I've acquired another computer that I can dedicate to being a show computer (I got a computer for that purpose last year but . . . I've filled it full of junk and regularly use it for other stuff plus I regularly use my other computer that I actually bought, oh yeah I have a problem). This is an old work computer, actually used to be mine. No good for the things I do at work, but will be perfect to dedicate to the lights. So I want to wipe it and start again with a clean HD and clean install of Windows.

Plenty of good info out on the interwebs if anyone else needs it:
http://www.ehow.com/how_2104586_rebuild-personal-computer.html
http://www.ehow.com/how_6026_format-hard-drive.html
http://www.whitecanyon.com/format-hard-drive.php

Just wondering if the fellas out there in the community have some experience to add? Any tips and tricks you've learnt over the years? (The last time I rebuilt a computer the OS was Windows 3.7 and DOS, time to update!).

[IdunBenhad]

HI:
I just built/rebuilt a show computer using parts that I had around, some I bought on Ebay and the case from a local computer store. $20.00 (US) for full tower case and CD R/W drive!.

Nothing special to advise, except I am trying to keep the computer "show stuff" only. I have put MPLAB and Visual C# Express on it, plus some other show related files.

I was not going to put it on the internet at all until I discovered that I was running back and forth between this computer and the Show computer, transporting files with a thumb drive! The Show computer is in a small utility building. I live in a motorhome (MH). I use a wireless router in the MH and put a wireless PCI card in that I had here.
Saves a lot of steps.

I didn't put any anti-virus programs in the computer, as they tend to slow it up. I just turn on the wireless when I need a quick connection to get a new file, etc., and then turn it off.

I use Windows XP Home Edition.

Here is my computer:
Pentium 4--2.8 ghz
1 gb memory
80 gb harddrive
DVD read only drive
CD Rom R/W drive
Built-in audio and video (on motherboard)
Wireless PCI card

All of the drivers for the motherboard were downloaded from the internet. It happened to be an old Intel MB and all drivers were readily available.

The P4 motherboard I bought for 99 cents on Ebay.
The case was $20.00
The power supply was $10.00
The rest of the parts were given to me or I had here from other projects.
The memory was from this computer: I had replaced it with 2gb of memory and it fit the show computer.

A quick note: When I first brought the show machine to life, I had problems getting it to boot up reliably. It would sometimes take 3 or 4 times to get up and running. I discovered the cable from the harddrive to the motherboard was defective. I replaced it and the machine is totally reliable and will run Vixen with no failures for hours. It runs cool, also.

I also bought a computer power supply for $5.00 at a Ham Radio convention and converted it to a bench supply. It was easy to do. I had also bought some screw terminal barrier strips and just put one on the power supply and ran the various leads through the vent holes to the barrier strip. I found that I did not need to pre-load the power suppply with a resistor, as had been shown on some of the websites for converting a supply.

Have fun with the new computer.

Idun

[bmcgeeny]

I've acquired another computer that I can dedicate to being a show computer
Just wondering if the fellas out there in the community have some experience to add? Any tips and tricks you've learnt over the years? (The last time I rebuilt a computer the OS was Windows 3.7 and DOS, time to update!).

If I am understanding, your hardware is fine, you just want to clean it and put a fresh copy of an operating system on it.

I know some folks are using Vista, but with all the years of backup for XP that both the hardware and software Guru's on this site have, I'd stay with that. Do you have an XP disk? If so with a registration #. If the computer you are installing the fresh OS to came with XP, there is probably a sticker on it somewhere with a registration #. If not, you can still buy XP Home CD's I think they are down to about $49. Put the disc in and boot the computer. Follow the directions. Just remember, when it asks you to format, yes that is what is wipeing the thing clean. It will give you all kinds of warnings that you are about to delete all your data bla bla bla. Yup you do.
The only other thing I would recomend is to make partitions on your hard drive. I split mine either in half or thirds. Drives C, D, E. Then I can run XP backup for drive C and make a backup on drive D and if the OS fails, oh well.
Now connect to the internet and go to microsoft update site and let it check for updates. It will install what you need.

I advertize on Craigslist and get a bunch of computer equipment donated to me. I have gotton so much response that I have started charging $.35 a pound to pick it up. (same as the recycle center charges when I get rid of what I can't use)

Most came with XP and have a registration tag so if I get it working I use that # to register.

I think I have about 6-8 sitting around here that run right now.