need some wisdom

[ranchmom5]

Hi,

I need some computer advice and, as always, I turn to my friends here at TP Forum because you are all the BEST!

I had a power surge come through my desktop...a Dell...last week. It was plugged into a battery backup surge protector, but I guess it didn't do too well! Anyway, Dell has refused to honor the warranty on it because there was a storm in the area. I already tried replacing the power supply and that did nothing so the next guess - by the Dell tech who helped me the first night - is the motherboard. I was told by a local computer place that it isn't really worth it to replace a motherboard. At retail prices with labor, I agree, but was wondering how hard it is to replace a motherboard myself????

I paid $375 for this desktop last year and it is my belief that the rest of the computer is just fine, but if I have to pay a tech to fix it, I will have more into repairs than I paid for it! I might as well just buy another desktop.

Also, it has a SATA Hdd and I have a 2.5 SATA enclosure....can I remove the Dell HDD and access the files by using the enclosure with my T42?

Let me know if you need more information than I have provided.

Thanks in advance!

[hausman]

how hard it is to replace a motherboard myself????

At one time Dell was notorious for using non-standard mobos and power supplies. If you can find the identical mobo, say on eBay, then that shouldn't be a problem. Someone else here with more recent experience may also know if Dell now uses industry standard mobo configurations. That would expand your mobo options considerably.

I might as well just buy another desktop.

You might also consider buying just a case, mobo and power supply then transfer the rest of the components (RAM [if compatible], HD, DVD, video card, etc.) from the Dell. One problem you'll then have is the operating system license since Dell's restore media will only work with the Dell BIOS on a Dell mobo.

Also, it has a SATA Hdd and I have a 2.5 SATA enclosure....can I remove the Dell HDD and access the files by using the enclosure with my T42?

Yes, assuming the enclosure has a USB interface. (I don't know if T42 came with Firewire.)

[virge]

I'll reiterate what hausman said-- Dell used to make desktops with proprietary power supplies and motherboards. I don't know about newer machines. Make sure you used the right replacement power supply. The machine I worked on used the same connector as standard power supplies, but it was wired differently. A good way to fry something.

If you're sure its the motherboard, you might want to try Ebay to find an identical unit. This way you can just transfer your working parts and not have to deal with reloading all your old software.

The 3.5" SATA drive might work with the 2.5" enclosure if you take the enclosure apart (assuming its USB). The only issue I see is the need to separately power the 3.5" drive.

A final note-- Dell won't cover your loss, but perhaps the company that made the surge suppressor will. I know that most of the major brands will cover losses due to a failed surge suppressor.

[hausman]

The 3.5" SATA drive might work with the 2.5" enclosure if you take the enclosure apart (assuming its USB). The only issue I see is the need to separately power the 3.5" drive.

I missed that the original drive is 3.5". Of copurse it is. An even cleaner solution IMO is something like the Apricorn DriveWire which comes with its own power supply. It's also useful for cloning drives when you upgrade to a higher capacity drive.

A final note-- Dell won't cover your loss, but perhaps the company that made the surge suppressor will. I know that most of the major brands will cover losses due to a failed surge suppressor.

An excellent point (providing you filled out the registration card.)

[dsvochak]

One of the things you should do is check with your home insurance agent. Oddly, a lot of people have coverage for something like this (often times replacement coverage) and don't know it. I know a few people who got replacement machines after the blackout in 2003 for exactly this problem.

It's worth a shot.

[ranchmom5]

Thanks to those who have replied already.

I tried insurance and have contacted the surge protector Co. via email - the only means they offer for communication. Haven't heard back from the surge folks and no luck at all with insurance due to a high deductible.

So I have been thinking about the "purchase a case" idea. Would it be something like this http://cgi.ebay.com/Dell-Inspiron-530-B ... 1|294%3A50. I think it looks compatible as my processor is a 2160 in the exact same case - Inspiron 530. How can I tell if the RAM is compatible?

Also, would this be a difficult process - taking all the drives, etc out of the old and putting them in the new? I have never done anything like this, but I am not really afraid of computers or trying new things! I guess what I would want to know is how easy is it to mess everything up and just be out more $$?

Thanks again for the help
Sharie

[Neil]

My boss had a similar thing happen to his Dell computer a few years back. I suggested he contact the UPS manufacturer. He did, and all he had to do was fill out a claim form a send the faulty UPS unit in for inspection. They paid for his computer. He bought a new computer and gave me the dead Dell. I don't remember just what I replaced. I think it was the power supply, and my mother-in-law used the computer for some years before it finally died again. Of course you are still without a computer for some time while it's being resolved.

On the other hand, swapping parts in a desktop computer is easy. I've done it many time. If I can I would think anyone can.

[Bookworm]

> I paid $375 for this desktop last year

I hate to sound like a commercial or something, but my advice would be to see what kind of ThinkPad (or Toshiba - aren't they pretty good too?) you can get for that price. They're not usually *that* expensive, and they're fairly reliable. I've been hearing this stuff about Dells for years, and I wouldn't pay more than $1 for one.

I have to admit my advice is a little biased. I consider desktops a primitive waste of space.

[virge]

@ ranchmom: If your processor fits that board then its likely that the memory will fit as well. Check the motherboard part number listed in the auction and see if its the same as yours. You're just moving the processor, memory and drives so its a relatively simple procedure if you know your way around a PC-- and if you don't, there's always people here you can ask for help. If you're not sure you can remember where parts and cables go, take some digital pictures ahead of time. I'm sure there are other tips, but the most important ones off the top of my head: 1. The processor needs thermal compound where it touches the heatsink. 2. Reset BIOS defaults when you first boot up the "new" computer with your old parts.

@ bookworm: You can't beat a desktop for value. A $400 desktop will run circles around around a similarly priced Thinkpad, have twice the memory, three times the hard drive space, and a big LCD. If you don't need portability and have the space, my opinion is that a desktop is the way to go. This is coming from someone with one desktop and 4 laptops in active service throughout the house. I have a docked laptop at work as a compromise.

[carbon_unit]

Late model Dells use a standard power supply connector but not always a standard power supply case shape. If it is a standard box shaped Dell case you can use any replacement power supply in it. If it is a clamshell design case you may have to notch the case a little or it may not be a completely proprietary power supply. The standard shaped cases will hold most motherboards while the clamshell cases will only hold their specific boards.

Your 3.5 inch SATA hard drive will not connect to your 2.5 inch SATA enclosure. The take a different size connector and the 3.5 needs a power supply while the 2.5 does not.

Which model of Dell do you have?

[ranchmom5]

It is an Inspiron 530 mini tower. It was a refurb when I bought it last year. I already bought a new power supply from Dell, installed it and that didn't resolve the sudden death of my computer....so I am returning it to Dell. The case +, that I linked to yesterday has the exact case I have + power + mobo for $99. I paid $50 just for the power supply from Dell. I had also quickly renewed warranty for $128 and then they refused to cover the damages...and if I bought the exact mobo from them, it would have been another $250. Like I had said, it was more than I paid originally!

Another question I thought of last night. IF I purchase a case (as in ebay link), install my processors, Hdd, RAM, etc, will I still need my own OS discs? This computer came loaded with XP, but not with discs or any other docs/manuals.

I was thinking I might look for a book like - computer rebuilding for dummies - when I am in the big city today!

Finances are definitely an issue here as we also just wrecked our son's pickup (wet muddy roads and too much weight in the livestock trailer...just one of those things) and that is taking some $$ to resolve, also.

I knew I could count on all of you here at TP to provide wisdom, solutions and support.
Thanks!
Sharie

[virge]

@carbon_unit: I don't have any desktop SATA drives, only laptop ones so I don't have the physical drives to look at. However, when I was looking for a SATA enclosure, I'm pretty sure I read that SATA connectors are universal, but that the 2.5" and 3.5" drives have different power connectors. For ranchmom though I guess not having another power source kills this option either way.

@ranchmom5: I hope your son (and your livestock) are okay. I jackknifed my truck and a trailer full of manure when I was working on my parents' farm. It was a scary (and messy) experience-- needless to say, I learned my lesson that weight distribution is no small matter when towing.

If you need your data quickly and also to verify that your drives are okay, you can purchase a desktop SATA enclosure. They're about $15 shipped on Ebay. And that reminds me of something. I don't think that you know for sure whether the drives/memory/CPU were damaged as well. In fact, it might be a good idea to describe the problems you have with your current system and maybe get a second opinion from some forum members as to whether the mainboard is the culprit. If it is just the mainboard, and you buy the barebones Inspiron 530 off Ebay, then you shouldn't have to reload your OS. Do you have another desktop computer that can be used to test parts?

Before buying anything though (except maybe the SATA enclosure) I would wait to hear back from the surge suppressor company. It would be great if they covered the loss. Also, is it too late to get a refund on the DELL warranty? Its probably not worth it to buy it at this point!

[pianowizard]

@ bookworm: [/b] You can't beat a desktop for value.

I totally agree.

I consider desktops a primitive waste of space.

I have to disagree! IMO, desktop computers actually take up less space than laptops. First, the computer itself is put under the desk, so it doesn't take up any space on the desk. Second, because external LCD monitors have low pixel densities, they can be placed several feet away from my eyes and I can still view them comfortably, so I always push them all the way to the back of my desk to free up lots of space between me and the monitors. By contrast, laptop screens need to be viewed at a much shorter distance, so the laptop needs to be placed right in the middle of the desk, where I often want to put other things such as books, food, etc. And when the laptop screen is so close, the keyboard is even closer, making it uncomfortable to type on. Desktop keyboards (which aren't coupled to the monitor or computer) don't have this problem. Another advantage of desktop keyboards is that you won't have to deal with laptop palmrests that overheat.

BTW, Dell desktops are awesome. Thinkpads may be more reliable than most other laptop brands, but they are still not as reliable as Dell desktops in my experience. In fact, I suspect that most desktop computers, regardless of brand, are more reliable than any laptop.

[killer]

What about Lenovo desktops? The IBM ones were very good.

[tomh009]

I picked a ThinkCentre M51 USFF model for my mother, who had very limited desk space. So far it's very good, but it has been less than a year.

[carbon_unit]

@carbon_unit: I don't have any desktop SATA drives, only laptop ones so I don't have the physical drives to look at. However, when I was looking for a SATA enclosure, I'm pretty sure I read that SATA connectors are universal, but that the 2.5" and 3.5" drives have different power connectors. For ranchmom though I guess not having another power source kills this option either way.

Yeah, I don't know what I was thinking. You are right.
Sorry about the mis-information.

[archer6]

@ ranchmom, a few weeks ago we had a severe thunderstorm and lightning struck, blowing out my APC surge protector & my new W500. I sent an email even though it was not registered. Just when I was about to give up after 10 days & no response, I received an email from them. They sent a claim form & paid for my ThinkPad, printer, scanner, dock, and sent me a new surge protector. I could not be happier, and I'm so glad I waited. My neighbor was also successful getting his desktop replaced by Belkin, whose surge protector was also blown during the storm. The key is to give them time to respond.
.
Cheers...
posted via BlackBerry Bold

[ranchmom5]

Sorry for being MIA for a few days. I just competed in my first sprint triathlon yesterday and it kind of consumed my mind and my time since Thursday.

Well, I hope I did the right thing cuz last night I bought a Dell off Ebay. I may still play around with fixing the old Inspiron 530 when I can come up with another $100 for one of those cases with mobo, power supply, etc. - just for the experience and then I could sell it or give it to someone in need.

So now a few more questions....and maybe I should now move this to one of the OS boards (moderators please feel free to redirect me). My old Inspiron 530 was running XP and this new one is described as follows:
Includes Vista Home Basic, genuine disk, however I have Windows 7 RC-1 installed. Note that Windows 7 RC-1 WILL expire next June/July 2010, so you will need to either purchase it when its released, or install the included Vista Home Basic (or other OS of choice).

I haven't kept up on all the Windows 7 upgrade information but did just go to that board and saw that there is a half price pre-release purchase offer right now. I linked to the Amazon site and there it said something about being able to upgrade from Vista to 7 for $9.99????

Another question is....I still need some of my files off the old HDD...Quicken, photos, Word, etc. What is the best way to get them? A local computer person would charge $120 to extract the data to discs. I looked up the "drivewire" that was recommended earlier but that seems to clone the entire Hdd to the new, including OS.

One more thing....is there a way to tell whether the RAM on my old machine will fit with the new?

Awaiting your wise words!
Sharie

btw, still no word from the surge protector company!

[Neil]

Should be simple enough to open up your new PC and attach the old HDD as a slave, then just copy the files you want to a folder on the new HDD. That is, assuming the old drive wasn't fried by the surge.

[ranchmom5]

Should be simple enough to open up your new PC and attach the old HDD as a slave, then just copy the files you want to a folder on the new HDD. That is, assuming the old drive wasn't fried by the surge.

Well...you make it sound simple...but exactly how does one "attach the old HDD as a slave"? And, since I have no way to check the HDD at this time - no other desktop in the house except the dead one - could attaching a fried HDD have negative repercussions on the new desktop?

[RealBlackStuff]

Copying data depends on whether your old HD is IDE/ATA (wide cable) or SATA (small cable), and what your 'new' PC has.
If both have IDE, you could just move the jumper on the back of the old HD from Master or Cable Select to Slave and attach it to the free middle connector of the HD cable in the new PC. Also connect a power cable from the power-supply.
Boot up, and in Windows Explorer you should find the extra drive. Copy over what you want.

If both have SATA, just use another SATA cable to plug that into a free SATA connector on the new motherboard. Also connect a power cable from the power-supply.
Boot up, and in Windows Explorer you should find the extra drive. Copy over what you want.

You can look up the type of RAM at http://www.crucial.com where you enter the PC brand and exact model. Do for both PCs.

As to the W7 upgrade, read it again! It's $99.99
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw?ur ... +7&x=0&y=0


PS: if the old HD is dead, it won't harm your new PC if you connect it.
See here how to connect IDE HDs: http://www.mikeshardware.com/howtos/how ... de_hd.html

[Neil]

I see RBS posted a reply while I was typing. He said it better than I would have anyway.

Another option would be to use an external HDD enclosure that you attach to the new PC via USB. That way you don't have to open up the new PC's case if you don't want to.

[ranchmom5]

But if I use an external enclosure, I would need to purchase a 3.5...right?

If I put the old HDD inside, can I utilize it there? Would I have to load Vista or 7 on the old HDD? Also for the connecting...how would I know where to plug it into the mobo and which extra plug from the power supply?

[ranchmom5]

I just saw this reply to a question from another bidder on the auction page:
There is room for a total of two hard drives plus two dvd/blu-ray drives. There are four SATA connections on the board, so you could easily connect everything.

I know my old HDD is a SATA so that sounds like it should work.

[Neil]

Yep, should work just fine. The operating system on the new machine is all you will need. It will see the old drive as additional storage, the operating system on it will look just like another file. After you salvage the files you want, you can format (erase) the old drive and continue to use it for extra storage space if you want.

[ranchmom5]

Sounds great! Now...how the heck to I figure out how and where to plug in the power supply and onto the mobo?

[Neil]

When you pull the old drive out of the old computer leave the SATA cable attached to the drive and take note of how it was attached to the motherboard, and take a look at the power connector as you remove it. Then look for that kind of free power connector on the new system and attach it to the same jack on the old hard drive. Then look at where the new computer's hard drive SATA cable attaches to the motherboard, there should be a group of two or more sockets right there together, attach your old drive to one of the empty sockets. Make sure the power is OFF (best to pull to power plug) before doing any of this!

[ranchmom5]

I had to get on and tell you that I DID IT!!!! I put the old HDD and the DVD drive into the new(used) Dell and it all works! I can access all of my old information!! YIPPEE!

Now, I need to ask, how do I move it to the main drive? Or do I need to? I haven't tried to open anything but some of the things on "My Documents" because I wasn't sure if I had to reload original software or not on things like Quicken, iTunes, etc.

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Sharie

btw, this new computer is running Windows 7 and it is really nice.