[smith66]

My desk top tower unit is a 2002 model Intel R, Pentium ® 4 CPU 2.40 GHz , 2.39GHz, 512 MB of Ram, Windows XP Home Edition Version 2002, Service Pack 3 as listed under "My Computer". A virus was removed which also took parts of the operating system, and I understand the need to re-install Windows. I use this CPU for a home based business and was wondering if this is the appropriate time to make any hardware upgrades? No, I'm not walking lopsided from carrying extra cash, in fact it's quite the opposite. But since I'm getting into what I consider a major project, is this the time to do more? Any advice is appreciated. Smith66

[piyushsingh]

It depends on what all applications you will running on this system and the work that you will be doing. The cheapest and probably the most effective upgrade that can be done on this system would be a memory upgrade.

[mjd420nova]

If things were working fine before the infection, all that you would need is a REPAIR of the OS, not a re-install. This will copy all the needed files wnd not disturb any of the loaded programs or saved data. If you don't have the cash, nothing else is really needed but it couldn't hurt to get a bit more memory as it's pretty cheap these days for the level of system you're running.

[smith66]

Thanks piyushsingh, I appreciate the suggestion.

[smith66]

Thanks mjd420nova, your suggestion is appreciated.

[SpiritWind]

:D Hi :



As to IF you should re-install the OS depends on details about the "virus" and the "Steps"

that were taken to "remove" it !? First off, what was this "virus"s "Name" ? Detail the "Steps"

that were taken and by whom ?

[smith66]

Dear SpiritWind,

Don't have access to the information. The people that were involved are gone from the area and not available to me. I will re-install OS, but real concern is if the hardware is good or do I need upgrades at this time? So far, suggestions have been made to upgrade memory, is there anything else that needs consideration? Thanks. Smith66

[macy1]

Given the damge described, if the original XP install CD's (or a similar version) is available, it is possible to do a repair re-install of XP (I have been successful in repairing most damages XP install in this manner, but it is somewhat time consuming.)



Be sure you are well prepared: If your OEM (or retail) XP CD's don't have SP3 on them (likely the case) you will need to have the Server Pack 1, 2 & 3 install CD's available, as well. This may be more advanced than you are comfortable with, search forum and google for more detail on how to do this before deciding to proceed. Like any other major surgery on XP, be sure to recover any important data off the PC's hard disk first and/or make a backup image of the C drive.

[PProsk]

DO NOT INVEST ANY MONEY into 6 years old PC. It doesn't worth it to do!!!

If you are lucky and it's just a virus (not a hard drive problem) and you can reinstall OS yourself - do it. Other wise buy new PC!

Old RAM is much slower than a new one, as well as Hard Driver, as well as Processor. Now CPUs are most 2-3-4 Cores and yours is one Core which will slow down allew software you may want to install. I mean even Internet providers CDs...

Think twice!!!

[smith66]

Dear macy1,

Thanks for the tips. smith66

[smith66]

Dear PProsk,

After doing research on upgrading the hard drive and memory, you're right, it isn't worth the expense. I'll do the re-install and be happy for a while, or at least until I can replace the cpu with an up to date unit. Thanks! smith66