computer crashing...can i save it all to hard drive and reformat? or buy new pc

[knightrdrx]

I am  using a Dell 4550   windows xp..no internet connection..no antivirus software running...768mb ram.  pentium 4.  $57 agp 3-D video card, power supply is 250w i think......best i could find...so far the only games that don't play well are Crusin USA, Future Pinball, and Dukes of Hazzard 2 for PS1...but I can do without these...
I transferred video snaps with a new flash drive onto the computer  from my regular and i get a blue screen or windows freezes...must have some conflict..it says

 driver has overrun a stack based buffer...

wonder if the computer will hold up or i could build a new one..i shouldn't need high powered components. i have an empty case.
I could reformat and start from scratch.  I installed a bunch of stuff to try and get 3do and Neo Geo to work..I really don't need this...I think the only program installed to windows is pinball and the mame controller layout popup program..i forgot what its called...i suppose i could save my maximus arcade, my directories to a hard drive and then copy them back and i'm guessing all the settings will remain?

What percentage of you would you say have a new powerful computer with windows 7 or are just using an old spare computer that perhaps you got for free and maybe made a few upgrades to. ..I don't want to spend another $400..haven't even bought the monitor and cabinet kit i need...just working on the PC for now.

[yotsuya]

$60-$80 shipped on eBay should get you a Core2Duo.

[DaOld Man]

Im thinking you have XP?
Whatever you have, try starting in safe mode, maybe remove some of the stuff you put on it to see if that helps with the BSOD. (the stuff you really don't need anyway.)
It could also be a failing hard drive, memory, or other hardware device. (Try removing video card if it also has on board video, this will test that component.)
If you decide to get a new computer you can always go with a cheaper refurbished one, but of course the pc may or may not run the games you really want. (Mame games are usually a safe bet, other emuls maybe not.)
But with the Pentium processor you have now, going up in processor model will usually run what you are running now.
You can also re-install windows and keep all your programs, if you have the disc. Just select that option when you boot from the disc. (Complete reformat may not be necessary.)

Edit: just back up all your stuff if you can, because reformat may be your only choice if you have ruled out hardware problems.

[knightrdrx]

you mean a refurbished dell optiplex type PC? Or just someone's used one.. Enough ventilation and power supply wattage for a decent video card upgrade?
I guess so...

[Malenko]

just get a computer made this century.

http://arrowdirect.com/search?q=hp#/?_=1&filter.category_hierarchy=Desktops&page=1

[JDFan]

just get a computer made this century.

http://arrowdirect.com/search?q=hp#/?_=1&filter.category_hierarchy=Desktops&page=1

Don't forget the 20% off ( US20 ) code to get an additional 20% off that price !! -- figure that covers the shipping and tax. Also if you want something better and can afford a bit more all of the Core I systems ( I3, I5, I7 ) they have are 50% off with the DNCOre50 code (till the 8th according to Dealnews.com) so they have a Core I3 with Win7 Pro ( LENOVO THINKCENTRE M71E 3.333GHZ CORE I3 DESKTOP 500GB 4096MB ) for $183 shipped including taxes after coupon code.

[knightrdrx]

Thanks. I was looking around other sites too like Newegg.  That site doesn't provide much descriptions on their computer specs unless I go by the original ones on the brand's website.  I want to make sure I can fit a decent video card in there and probably upgrade the power supply.  Do you think that's necessary?   

[Thenasty]

check BUY/SELL/TRADE

There is a deal
MOBO/RAM/CORE 2 DUO for (I think) $60.00 shipped.


Here:
Have a Gigabyte GA-EP35-DS3L motherboard, with a Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 3.0 Ghz cpu up for sale. Also included is 4 gbs of ddr2 ram. Ram is Corsair XMS2. Has I/o shield and stock intel cpu cooler attached. 60 shipped for the whole thing. Board works great would make a great mame comp.


http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,142183.0.html