The Techies should have no problems transfering the files and folders.
You remove the hard drive from the 4500 and either attach it, or install it in the new computer, same as I discussed in my first post, to transfer the files and folders.
I've done this many times, both on my own systems and other peoples computers, with very few problems.
I have no opinions on the Optiplex 740, except that the Optiplex series are business systems and are more robust, than the Dimension series.
When buy the Optiplex, check that it has the Dell XP reinstallation disc.
What is the computer model, that has the broken power button?
Yes, the hard drive can attached to another computer and the files and folders transfered, either by installing it as a secondary hard drive, or using an USB adaptor similar to THIS and attaching the hard drive to an USB port of the new computer and transfer the files and folders to it.
Note: Only data files can be transfered, any applications, utlities and programs, need to be reinstalled from their CD's, or from the publisher's website.
The 4500 has the obsolete 'Clamshell Case' and has a Dell proprietary power button control panel assembly and replacing it is not an easy task, as it requires the removal of the front plastic bezel.
You would need to use the exact Dell replacement part, as the power switch and circuit board is one unit.
Dell has not published a guide to remove the front bezel of the Dimension 4500, you can use this GUIDE
<ADMIN NOTE: Broken link has been removed from this post by Dell>
, it's for an Optiplex GX50 Small Mini Tower, the procedures are the same.
Hi Bev, thanks, good to know there are solutions (providing the hard drive itself hasn't fried -- hard to tell with no power! :-) It's a Dell Dimension 4500. I guess I can bring it to MicroCenter and see what kind of deal they can offer me. Would prefer to pay someone to transfer hard drive over into new computer, if cost isn't prohibitive. Then my mom could basically have her old setup back again. THANKS for the encouragement!:emotion-2: Heidi
Hi Bev, thanks for your insights. That old clamshell case was horrible to get open, just popped the top to add more memory a couple weeks ago (and wondering if I somehow busted the on/off switch)? I'm pretty low-tech, so will prob pay a store such as MicroCenter to transfer contents of hard drive -- if possible (do you think it is?) -- onto a refurbished Dell with Windows XP. Then my mom will pretty much have the same setup as she had with the Dimension. Not sure how they will access the hard drive w/out the power button working though, do you? And I hope the cost isn't prohibitive. Hoping it's possible. THANKs, Heidi
Yep, the 'Clamshell' cases can be a pain to open and close, always have to check that the wiring is not caught in the case hinges.
i really don't know if Dell has refurbished desktops with XP in the Dell Outlet for sale, but I somehow doubt it, if there's no XP models for sale, then go for Windows 7, not Vista.
A hint: Pick a Mini Tower system, not the so-called Slimline model, as the MT models are easier to maintain and upgrade. :emotion-5:
Thanks Bev. I fear I may have "done the deed" and inadvertently busted the button when I opened that clamshell -- with great difficulty -- to install the new memory cards. It was a major pain to open as the edges of the case were caked with years of dust, crud, and dog hair (our bad) -- hence even harder to open. :-) I plan to bring the Dimension to MicroCenter here in Boston, which sells Dells, including a refurbished Optiplex GX740, which looks comparable to what my mom had (still has WinXP Pro) and better in some ways. I also like the slim footprint (like my Dell XPS). Do you have an opinion on this model? Again thanks for your time and advice, I appreciate it.
I'm hoping "the pros" can transfer the contents of my mom's hard drive onto a refurbished Dell so we can get her back up and running. Can they do that even though the power button is kaput? THANKS, Heidi
Thanks Bev. I fear I may have "done the deed" and inadvertently busted the button when I opened that clamshell -- with great difficulty -- to install the new memory cards. It was a major pain to open as the edges of the case were caked with years of dust, crud, and dog hair (our bad) -- hence even harder to open. :-) I plan to bring the Dimension to MicroCenter here in Boston, which sells Dells, including a refurbished Optiplex GX740, which looks comparable to what my mom had (still has WinXP Pro) and better in some ways. I also like the slim footprint (like my Dell XPS). Do you have an opinion on this model? Again thanks for your time and advice, I appreciate it.
I'm hoping "the pros" can transfer the contents of my mom's hard drive onto a refurbished Dell so we can get her back up and running. Can they do that even though the power button is kaput? THANKS, Heidi
As an alternative, you can buy a used 4500 on eBay for a modest sum, or even a case for $30.
shesagordie
10 Elder
•
46K Posts
1
June 29th, 2010 18:00
Heidi
The Techies should have no problems transfering the files and folders.
You remove the hard drive from the 4500 and either attach it, or install it in the new computer, same as I discussed in my first post, to transfer the files and folders.
I've done this many times, both on my own systems and other peoples computers, with very few problems.
I have no opinions on the Optiplex 740, except that the Optiplex series are business systems and are more robust, than the Dimension series.
When buy the Optiplex, check that it has the Dell XP reinstallation disc.
Bev.
shesagordie
10 Elder
•
46K Posts
0
June 29th, 2010 13:00
WorryFreeWriter
What is the computer model, that has the broken power button?
Yes, the hard drive can attached to another computer and the files and folders transfered, either by installing it as a secondary hard drive, or using an USB adaptor similar to THIS and attaching the hard drive to an USB port of the new computer and transfer the files and folders to it.
Note: Only data files can be transfered, any applications, utlities and programs, need to be reinstalled from their CD's, or from the publisher's website.
Bev.
shesagordie
10 Elder
•
46K Posts
0
June 29th, 2010 13:00
Heidi
The 4500 has the obsolete 'Clamshell Case' and has a Dell proprietary power button control panel assembly and replacing it is not an easy task, as it requires the removal of the front plastic bezel.
You would need to use the exact Dell replacement part, as the power switch and circuit board is one unit.
Dell has not published a guide to remove the front bezel of the Dimension 4500, you can use this GUIDE
<ADMIN NOTE: Broken link has been removed from this post by Dell>
, it's for an Optiplex GX50 Small Mini Tower, the procedures are the same.
Bev
WorryFreeWriter
6 Posts
0
June 29th, 2010 13:00
Hi Bev, thanks, good to know there are solutions (providing the hard drive itself hasn't fried -- hard to tell with no power! :-) It's a Dell Dimension 4500. I guess I can bring it to MicroCenter and see what kind of deal they can offer me. Would prefer to pay someone to transfer hard drive over into new computer, if cost isn't prohibitive. Then my mom could basically have her old setup back again. THANKS for the encouragement!:emotion-2: Heidi
WorryFreeWriter
6 Posts
0
June 29th, 2010 14:00
Hi Bev, thanks for your insights. That old clamshell case was horrible to get open, just popped the top to add more memory a couple weeks ago (and wondering if I somehow busted the on/off switch)? I'm pretty low-tech, so will prob pay a store such as MicroCenter to transfer contents of hard drive -- if possible (do you think it is?) -- onto a refurbished Dell with Windows XP. Then my mom will pretty much have the same setup as she had with the Dimension. Not sure how they will access the hard drive w/out the power button working though, do you? And I hope the cost isn't prohibitive. Hoping it's possible. THANKs, Heidi
shesagordie
10 Elder
•
46K Posts
0
June 29th, 2010 15:00
Heidi
Yep, the 'Clamshell' cases can be a pain to open and close, always have to check that the wiring is not caught in the case hinges.
i really don't know if Dell has refurbished desktops with XP in the Dell Outlet for sale, but I somehow doubt it, if there's no XP models for sale, then go for Windows 7, not Vista.
A hint: Pick a Mini Tower system, not the so-called Slimline model, as the MT models are easier to maintain and upgrade. :emotion-5:
Bev.
WorryFreeWriter
6 Posts
0
June 29th, 2010 18:00
Thanks Bev. I fear I may have "done the deed" and inadvertently busted the button when I opened that clamshell -- with great difficulty -- to install the new memory cards. It was a major pain to open as the edges of the case were caked with years of dust, crud, and dog hair (our bad) -- hence even harder to open. :-) I plan to bring the Dimension to MicroCenter here in Boston, which sells Dells, including a refurbished Optiplex GX740, which looks comparable to what my mom had (still has WinXP Pro) and better in some ways. I also like the slim footprint (like my Dell XPS). Do you have an opinion on this model? Again thanks for your time and advice, I appreciate it.
I'm hoping "the pros" can transfer the contents of my mom's hard drive onto a refurbished Dell so we can get her back up and running. Can they do that even though the power button is kaput? THANKS, Heidi
rdunnill
6 Professor
•
8.8K Posts
1
June 29th, 2010 19:00
As an alternative, you can buy a used 4500 on eBay for a modest sum, or even a case for $30.
WorryFreeWriter
6 Posts
0
June 30th, 2010 05:00
Thanks, good to know we're not the only ones with vintage Dells kicking around!
WorryFreeWriter
6 Posts
0
June 30th, 2010 05:00
Ah, now I get it, thanks for all your insights and patience! Guess I'm spending 4th of July at the computer store! :emotion-11:
shesagordie
10 Elder
•
46K Posts
0
June 30th, 2010 07:00
Heidi
You are welcome.
I can think of better places to send July 4th. :emotion-2:
Please let us know the results.
Bev.