On Tue, 01 Apr 2014 17:00:24 -0500, wrote:

On Sun, 30 Mar 2014 17:41:56 -0400, "Jerry" wrote:

My machine is old, 12 yrs to be exact. I do believe my hard drive is
dying. Wouldn't mind keeping my monitor, but would like to increase memory,
speed, etc. And, specifically would like all my information put on the new
system. I really like Outlook Express, but have heard it is not available
anymore.

In other words, I need some words of wisdom regarding what information I
should be looking for. And what should I steer clear of?

As you can tell I really lack computer knowledge.

thanks


Buy one of those plug in external USB hard drives, and back up all your
data . Then you can either buy a new hard drive for your existing
computer, or another computer. Once the operating system is installed
on the new HD or computer, you can copy your data back. However, your
programs will need to be re-installed. Do this soon, if your HD is
failing. Once it fails, you'll lose everything. You can buy those USB
drives online, at computer stores, or even Walmart. They are not that
costly.

How do you know your HD is failing anyhow?

Outlook Express has always sucked, but that's just my opinion.
Thunderbird is free and works well for email.

Yea, you can keep your monitor as well as printer, keyboard, mouse etc.
But if you buy a NEW computer, it will come with Windows 8. Your 12
year old computer is probably XP. Prepare to relearn how to use your
computer if you get Windows 8, and soem of your programs may not be
compatible. If you want to save money and time, just buy a new HD for
under $50. The computer I'm using right now, is 14 years old, runs
Windows 98 and still works fine. It all depends on what you want and
need. I also use XPon other computers, but I would not want Windows 8.
I have no need for all the bloat they keep adding to the newer Windows.

Better idea for changing out a suspect drive is to get a universal
USB Hard drive interface and a copy of HDClone or EASEuse backup.
Clone the old drive to the new drive, then pull the old drive and
install the new one. EASEuse allows you to easily change from, say, a
30MB to a terrabyte drive, or anything in between.
Then after the drive is installed, do a "repair istall" of XP if
required. VERY rare occaision that I actually have to re-install
Windows XP to get performance back. I have a few "tools of the trade"
that do a very good, if not excellent job of getting back lost
performance.
I know a lot of guys don't believe they work, but the "proof is in the
pudding".