MMB737

Folks have a Dell Dimension 4600 that "died". Now keep in mind that the parents have limited knowledge when it comes to computers. They took it to a local "repair" shop and they told them that the motherboard was toast. Even though they were able to reload the OS. Correct me if I'm wrong, but if the motherboard was dead, then the thing wouldn't even boot up. I haven't actually had any hands on time with it yet, will tomorrow, but I'm guessing it's a hard drive issue or failed RAM. I know that my info is vague at this point, but I thought someone might have an idea that would jump start my troubleshooting skills. I will update tomorrow after I take a look at it. Thanks in advance for any ideas.

Zweiblumen

Like you said if the MB is toast then the machine wouldn't boot or anything else. Generally the only repair would be to replace the MB. Since the machine came back with fresh install of the OS I would guess that the problem was with the HD or the OS install.
If the HD was replaced or wiped then there isn't much to troubleshoot.
Best of luck with this task.

Yours
ZB

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TheCrimsonGhost

Well, chances are that if they were able to reinstall, it's not a MB problem, though it's not impossible for the motherboard to be broken and still have the computer work, somewhat. Would need more info to even make an educated guess on this one, though it's a dell, so my advice would be get a better computer. MCSE/A+ at your service.

LordEden

"It's a motherboard problem" means something hardware related is messing up. I've had RAM chips fail on me that allowed me to reload the OS but blue screen during startup. I've used the "It's a motherboard problem" a few times when I really wanted to say, "Look, this thing is dying. You could put more money into it and try to fix it, but you are just going to be wasting your money. Don't repair this, it is NOT worth it."

Then they could also be ripping you off, it's hard to tell when you don't have the PC in front of you.

[Start program; my02cent.exe]

From a quick scan of the specs for it, you are better off buying something new. It's a P4, which means it's 5-6+ years old. That's about the average life span of a PC. Yeah you might be able to get some more life out of it, but you are better off giving up. If you are having major problems with it now, it is not going to get better. I've seen 10 million dells like yours coming through my shop and work places that are dying like this. I've told people point blank, "This isn't worth it."

/my02cent

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MMB737

First off, thanks for the replies. I've got the machine here now and will probably look at it tomorrow. But like you guys have said, I told them to buy a new one. Anyway, thanks again. I do appreciate it.