How do I "scrub" an old computer with Widows XP?

[tw]

Originally Posted by IamSam

Tried that with a pair of tweezers. I'm sure I would have had better luck with pliers, but I'm fed up with that sort of painstaking tinkering - especially just for a temporary fix.

Only needle nose pliers can do that job. Available in any Sears, Lowes, Home Depot, or Tru-Value hardware store. And one tool anyone should have if using tools.

A video card can probably be obtained for $10. Used and perfectly good parts are widespread from Craig's List to eBay. Of course, that is for a Windows XP machine. Not so sure about a Widows XP machine.

It is a Dell meaning it has extremely useful utility partitions that are best not destroyed. That are far more complex to restore than many realize. Best is to not reformat that machine.

From experience, a damaged Dell is worth far more than any e-Machine. Even the Dell website will still define useful updates. e-Machines is best called zero support. Plenty of technical reasons and resulting complications behind that conclusion.

To say even more means finding and posting the Service Tag number pasted somewhere on the Dell. Not to be confused with Microsoft's license number. Necessary facts for a Dell are that easily available.

If a Dell is working, he can massively increase its viewing area with any flat screen or even a flat screen television. Even an e-Machine monitor will work. A Dell even that old is that flexible. But first discover if the Dell has other problems. Needle nose pliers are necessary and should be standard in any toolbox. In fact, I will usually use needle nose pliers for anything that others use tweezers for. A good small needle nose pliers is that useful.

[IamSam]

Hey, I hear you about pliers and just tools, in general. Once upon a time I had a tool box containing needle nosed pliers and a host of other useful tools. Unfortunately, I had an aquaintance help me do a few small repairs around my apartment some time back. At the end of the day, he tossed almost all my tools into his own tool box without me knowing it, and then he drove off. I haven't seen him or my tools since.

Friend one has some needle nosed pliers for sure. I'll pass along your advise re straightening the pins, and if he's willing to do that, I'm willing to plug in a monitor and see what's what on his Dell. I strongly suspect he'll whine and cry about doing ANYTHING with his computer all by his little self, even something as simple as that. If he doesn't care enough about it to even straighten the pins, I certainly don't care to do all the work of putting in a video card, getting a manufacture's copy of XP, etc.

So, in your opinion (or that of anyone else who may be reading this) is it worth my time to try to get my old e-machine running again?

[tw]

Originally Posted by IamSam

At the end of the day, he tossed almost all my tools into his own tool box without me knowing it, and then he drove off.

Sounds more like a thief than a friend. Meanwhile, I use many colors of nail polish. All tools (and other important implements) are color coded.

Same applies to USB cables. To not connect upside down. Each USB cable is clearly color dotted on its 'up side' using a dot of nail polish.

Fixing the Dell is strongly recommended. e-Machines (like Gateway) are best as boat anchors. Difference is that significant.

[IamSam]

Originally Posted by tw

Sounds more like a thief than a friend. Meanwhile, I use many colors of nail polish. All tools (and other important implements) are color coded.

Same applies to USB cables. To not connect upside down. Each USB cable is clearly color dotted on its 'up side' using a dot of nail polish.

Fixing the Dell is strongly recommended. e-Machines (like Gateway) are best as boat anchors. Difference is that significant.

Heh! Maybe I can use my e-machine as a flower planter. If that Dell belonged to me, I'd take your advise and give repairing it a shot. However, I already feel like friend one's (n-word). I'll have to think about if I want to do a parts replacement in addition to everything else.

Thanks for your input, regardless!