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Restoring an old computer, Help! [Archive] - RonFez.net Messageboard
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Snacks
10-06-2007, 09:36 AM
I have a few questions, maybe another thread was started similar but I couldnt find one.

My mother has an old computer that no one has used in years, it was collecting dust in the basement. Its a Dell desktop computer with windows millennium. It powers up and seems to be working fine, but I want to completely restore it. It doesnt have restore cds and you cant do it by pushing the f10 or f11 like other computers can.

Any advice on how to do this? I really dont want to spend any money on it, Im looking to use it as a back up, 2nd computer.

I also would like to install windows xp, anyone know where I can get a copy, cheap or use someones or whatever!? I have burned copy on cd a friend gave me a long time ago with xp. I tried to install it but dont have the product key code.

I need help!
SatCam
10-06-2007, 01:39 PM
If it has Windows ME, it probably can't handle Windows XP. I would suggest 2k, and 2k and XP are the most compatible out of the MS operating systems (pre-vista)

good luck
JPMNICK
10-06-2007, 01:55 PM
can you post the specs on it, i.e. how much RAM, speed of the processor?
Snacks
10-06-2007, 02:07 PM
can you post the specs on it, i.e. how much RAM, speed of the processor?

it has 256k ram and a pent 3 processor. I have no idea about anything else. Like I said I really want to use this is a back up computer. I just want to restore it so it gets rid of whatever is on it and I like XP. I know its slow with a pent 3 and 256 ram but all you need to run xp is 128 (i think). My laptop has 2 g of ram so I can already tell the difference.
JPMNICK
10-06-2007, 02:08 PM
it has 256k ram and a pent 3 processor. I have no idea about anything else. Like I said I really want to use this is a back up computer. I just want to restore it so it gets rid of whatever is on it and I like XP. I know its slow with a pent 3 and 256 ram but all you need to run xp is 128 (i think). My laptop has 2 g of ram so I can already tell the difference.

wait you want to use it as a backup computer, or a computer to back up your current computers files
Reynolds
10-06-2007, 02:52 PM
Ive got a copy of windows xp you can have, let me know if you want it.
Snacks
10-06-2007, 05:08 PM
wait you want to use it as a backup computer, or a computer to back up your current computers files

like a 2nd computer. If I leave my computer at work or dont take it out of its carrying bag. Or when my niece and nephew come over they can go online and I wont care if they screw it up. My nephew always wants to use my laptop and I get nervous, hes young and slams the keys. He doesnt go online but he knows how to put music on or play a dvd. So if you spills a sippy cup on it, I wont care!

Nothing else, not going to be used that often.

Ive got a copy of windows xp you can have, let me know if you want it.

yes and thank you!

Will installing windows XP also be like restoring the computer or will I still have to figure out a restore?
mdr55
10-06-2007, 05:10 PM
Stop being cheap, go buy a new one!
PapaBear
10-06-2007, 07:45 PM
It will probably be fine for XP. If you want to take the legal route, you can get XP Home on ebay for 70 bucks.
Snacks
10-07-2007, 06:03 AM
Stop being cheap, go buy a new one!

That was great!
MadMatt
10-07-2007, 08:23 AM
I would suggest picking up some more RAM, it will really help out your performance with a P3 onboard. Otherwise, XP should do OK. I put it on a similar system, and it works fine.

However, expect to get frustrated every so often, especially if you try to multi-task. It will drag like a dog with worms. Otherwise, if you are doing basic stuff you should be fine.
ToLEEdo
10-07-2007, 08:37 AM
Not a lot of memory and you want to back it up and just go online.

Linux.

Put a version of Ubuntu on it so it will be easy for the kids to understand. I will probably run the easiest with your components. It's free so you don't need to worry about finding a disk. I know you're comfortable with XP but try running a version of Linux on it, I think you'll be suprised.
Snacks
10-07-2007, 09:01 AM
Not a lot of memory and you want to back it up and just go online.

Linux.

Put a version of Ubuntu on it so it will be easy for the kids to understand. I will probably run the easiest with your components. It's free so you don't need to worry about finding a disk. I know you're comfortable with XP but try running a version of Linux on it, I think you'll be suprised.

I will give it a try, if I dont like it I wont give a shit because this isnt my main computer. I actually like this idea because I can try things on this computer and not care what happens. Thanks! Do you have a link or know where I should go to download it?

Will installing this completely restore computer and remove whatever crap is on it? Will I still have to manually remove windows me or will linux do it?

Some please explain how to do this stuff!.
MadMatt
10-07-2007, 11:38 AM
Not a lot of memory and you want to back it up and just go online.

Linux.

Put a version of Ubuntu on it so it will be easy for the kids to understand. I will probably run the easiest with your components. It's free so you don't need to worry about finding a disk. I know you're comfortable with XP but try running a version of Linux on it, I think you'll be suprised.

That is a phenomenal idea! I was stuck on your XP question, but Linux would be great in this situation.

Good call ToLEEdo! :thumbup: