I point the way, others take the lead! Glad I was some help,however convoluted it was!

I've been having problems with the thing for a while now.

I was fortunate that I'd partitioned the hard drive and copied the system files to the partition.

I doubt what I've done recently will stabilise the pc though.

I was thinking of upgrading the graphics card and getting extra RAM along with a new hard drive, but I've no real way of knowing what state the motherboard is in, so it could be a case of throwing good money after bad.

Now I'm thinking of buying a new pc...MESH Computers - Award Winning PCs Since 1987

Whaddya think?

Can you build your own? It is always the best way, and it easier to upgrade individual parts as you go along. Definitely upgrade your RAM, it's surprising how something as simple as good RAM can help your PC along. I can't talk. I have seemingly deleted some windows items through deleting some bad files in windows, so I cannot use my windows mail, WMP, search facility within my PC etc. I'm getting a PC built, but finances are low.

That PC does look nice, although the price made me wince!

Quad Core with 4 GIG RAM, nVIDEA 8800 graphics card. *drools*

I did consider building my own using something like the one in the link as a template.
Problem is, I'm unlucky with stuff and the after sales care will be needed.

As for the price, it's steep, but cheap for the spec.
The whole family will be using it.
Especially the kids as they're getting older, the lad in particular.

With the spec on offer it should be good for a few years and Mesh leave plenty of scope for upgrades when needed.

Unless someone here can show me a better deal...

^ get linux :)