2004 Dimension 3000 - sell it or fix it?

From what you describe, your 3000 is infested with malware. The problems are software, not hardware in nature, and therefore they are relatively easy to fix with a 'clean install' of XP. You'll need the XP install discs to do this. Before clean-installing, it's a good idea to boot from the XP disc, enter the Recovery Console, and run the FIXMBR command to remove any malware that might be hooking the Master Boot Record.

It might be possible to clear out the malware through use of an antivirus tool like Kaspersky, as well, and keep your existing XP install.

A more-expensive option is to upgrade to Windows 7, which Newegg frequently offers for $80 after discount code.

thanks, i will try that and get back with you here.  :)

amanda

wolfmoon13

Try using the suggestions for speeding up your system here:

http://www.wikihow.com/Speed-up-a-Windows-XP-Computer

Also, download and run the free versions of CCeaner and Malwarebytes from here:

 http://www.piriform.com/ccleaner/download

http://www.malwarebytes.org/products/malwarebytes_free/

Bev.

thank you.  how long are desktop PCs supposed to last? amanda

I can add to the mix, I have still XPS GEN3 3.4GHz with HT from 2004 as well, still running strong WinXP Home SP2, a few hiccups here and there, but unless I decide to get really new PC, this one is my workhorse. Basically you run your PC until some major hardware fail like motherboard, processor or power supply (I have proprietary one, seldom use today). You have to clean your PC using free tools and then you decide. Just another thought - it is better to have 2 PC at home, so if one fails, you can use another one to fix the falling comrade.

thank you.  how long are desktop PCs supposed to last?

amanda

Your time has to be worth something.  You can get a much newer dell with windows 7 installed and it will be much faster.

xp systems will be out of support in april 2014.

A good Rule of thumb for PC life expectancy.   PC  250 per year  Laptop, 500 per year.   Yes that means if you bought a 399 laptop you can expect the thing will be a piece of  before the warrenty expires.