Ok, we tried to do things on the "cheap". Roxann's computer went out the other day. One of three things I felt was the main problem (and I wrote this before). The "Power Supply" I thought mainly. Yet could be the "mother board", or even the button. I was pretty certain, if we got a new "Powersupply in" the thing would fire up.

So we called around about "Power Supplies" and testing. We determed, if we bought a "new one" (and could take it back), it would be the cheapest way to go. She went out and bought one today.

It was always this "in my head". I knew the "Power Supply" went out. I also knew when that happens, it could "fry" some other components. It was an "internal" power surge. I didn't know all what could be wrong. But to me "first" was to get a "Power Supply" and move from there. I wanted to be able to take it back (if my instincts proved me wrong).

We "plugged" it in, and the computer now fired up (had nothing before.. no power). I knew I was "right there". That's what started the thing.

The computer started doing it's thing.. and wouldn't "recognize" the hard disk. I went into the BIOS, and set the "disk settings for auto". No recognition. I now knew we had bigger problems.

Unless there was a "cable" loose or something, I knew we "either had a burnt board, or hard drive". Likely both. I am hoping just the "Hard drive".

The best way to test (to me), is take my "Hard disk" out of my computer. Plug it in exact the same way. If it fires up (After I set the BIOS), obvious to me the power surge "fried her hard drive". That sorts "alot of chit to me". I knew if mine worked.. wasn't a cable, a connection problem. Likely not a "fried motherboard", because if it was it wouldn't recognize my hard disk.

My Hard drive worked "perfect" in her computer. I still can't "rule out" a motherboard problem complete. The reason, there could be an "IC" chip or something that would allow other things to work. Would be a bad board tho (can't replace those). I don't think it got the "board really".

So her computer has "Power", and fires up now. She bought a computer with "NO" backup disks. Grr.. this is a problem! "NEVER buy a computer with no " Backup disks!! Luckily, her BIOS isn't stored on a sector of the "hard disk". It's on a chip on the motherboard. They can be "one of either, or both". If her "motherboard isn't gone.. we are ok" (there anyway). If it is, I'll replace the board and give her a "kick ass computer". She'll be happy whatever. We got a good show this weekend.

For now.. she needs a new "Hard Drive". We can get that for $60. We checked into it. A 500GB one. Which is good. I don't think her computer can run "Vista" well. My suggestion is get a copy of "XP" off eBay. So unless the board is gone. Power supply, XP (full), and a new hard drive... looking like $200 or so total. If I end up getting a new "motherboard" and memory. Will be double that. If we have to, we will. I promise tho, if we gotta run that way.. it will be a "kick ass computer". Comparable to the $2000 computers in the stores. I just don't think we need all that now. At any rate, will keep you updated.

Gary :)