Computer people... help please!!

[wehkah]

I'll let wayne take a look at your post. And I'll get back to you.

We've always built our PC's from scratch. Now the laptops we have we bought out right. Wayne got a new one from dell and it seams to work great. However he's had the same problems you are having with the Dells that they've purchased for his work. Then he has to go fix them all so they run properly.

[mulroony]

I do not think that will work. Windows does not like it when you do that unless the two boxes are pretty similar. Why not take the burner out of the dell and put it in the other box?? Otherwise there is a couple other things you can do (to get your data back), but you need to be able to make a bootable cd w/ a version of linux on it (It will run entirely from the CD) which will allow you to access you files so you can transfer them to some other medium (like usb drive or second hard drive). This is a little more in depth, but let me know if you might think of taking this road. (I can send you a CD and instructions)

How old is the Dell?? If it is still under warranty Dell has some of the best support and will come to you and fix it.

[Novel]

wehkah, I think it's time to build one from scratch again! It's almost Christmas time again though, so maybe I'll buy one. Who knows... I still have internet so, I'm happy.

mulroony, ok, so that won't seem to work, but that's ok. It'll just be easier anyways, if I just go get the ide thing and pull info off the other drive, and then reformat that drive and then I take this drive out and put it on the ide and pull info off of this one.

What about the power supply issue drive? Any hope for that?

[wehkah]

Originally Posted by Novel

What about the power supply issue drive? Any hope for that?

Wayne says that the hard drives only have a power interface. Meaning that they take power from your main power source in your computer. They do not contain any power source inside the drive. Inotherwords, they can not run on their own without a power supply to plug into. If the drive is having power issues you can possibly try new cables to the power source maybe....

If it is the main power supply to the computer its pretty easy to change and you can purchase one just about any electronic store. I wouldn't go less than 300wt if you're running XP. Best to have 350+ I think.

[mulroony]

The IDE transfer thing (USB to IDE Adapter if you shop for them, around $20) comes w/ a special adapter to power the drive so it does not need to be inside the case. What you proposed sounds just fine.

It is kind of pointless (and VERY dangerous) to try to repair a power supply. A very nice PSU cost $60, but you can pick one up for 20-30 that will suit your needs.

[Novel]

Thank you so much you two! I am going to take a shot at it again tonight maybe. I have to go buy this adapter thing. Like my technical jargon?
Your help has been invaluable. If I'm ever tempted to contact microsoft again, I'll just remember that I have all these IT people here!

[Winjammin]

Oh man Julie, I wish I had been on here before this morning to help out too. You can always call me as well, and I can walk you through how to pull info off one drive to the other. I'm well versed in this, as I've done it on my own pcs and also with the work pcs.

It's funny that so many people have Dells that have had problems. I exclusively use Dell for my desktop pcs (both for staff and public use...I'm a sys admin in a public library), and rarely if ever have a problem with my Dells.

Although it sounds like you're in very capable hands, if you need any help, let myself or Sherilyn know (either via phone or email...we live on both lol). We both can help out if you need us.

[Novel]

Thanks Rus, that is much appreciated! PM me your cell number!

[wehkah]

Any luck yet with the PC??