I need to buy a new computer but dont know where to start

Lifeisbutadream

I have no idea where to start so I would be grateful for any pointers as to what I should buy.

I currently have a computer that is around 3 years old. I use it solely for my business.

It bascially has a mind of its own and jams up/switches off/loses work whenever it feels like it.

I really need something decent for the best price I can.

I only really need a hard drive as the screen I have is fine, as it the keyboard and mouse, but obviously if I have to buy a package then I will.

I need to be able to store photos and I use excel a LOT - probably about 20 new files every day.

Also will I be able to copy everything I have on this computer onto a new one? including Outlook files?

Donnie

Three years is not old in the scheme of things. Buying a new one should not really be necessary. Perhaps you can tell us more about your old one.

Brand name, model number etc. Perhaps it's just dust clogging up the works.

JasX

Donnie wrote: »

Three years is not old in the scheme of things. Buying a new one should not really be necessary. Perhaps you can tell us more about your old one.

Brand name, model number etc. Perhaps it's just dust clogging up the works.

or full of viruses/malware... in which case unless they start doing something differently to stop said viruses/malware getting onto their PC they'll soon reduce a brand new machine to a similar state.....

I'd go for a reformat of the existing one

23n1th

I'd scan it first, if its for business I'd rather try and save the current installation.

Lifeisbutadream

Donnie wrote: »

Three years is not old in the scheme of things. Buying a new one should not really be necessary. Perhaps you can tell us more about your old one.

Brand name, model number etc. Perhaps it's just dust clogging up the works.

I posted on here a while ago about my current one - I have tried a few things but I have completely given up with it now and have thrown enough money at it - I just want to start again!

Lifeisbutadream

Because I know so little about computers I have paid someone to come out to look at it three times now (the first one was the person who sold me the computer, he just sold me some more memory, which did nothing. The second two people just charged me money and nothing changed. I think I was misold the computer as it has never been right for what I need, plus it is so slow I feel like throwing it through the window at times!

JasX

23n1th wrote: »

I'd scan it first, if its for business I'd rather try and save the current installation.

why does that make any odds if its 'for business' ?

If you want to get into good backup practices and be completly free of bugs, misconfigurations and all trace of viruses wipe it, start from scratch, and prove you can restroe your backups from time to time.

or live with reduced productivity, a slow machine, glitches and unproven backups while you try to operate your business.....

I'd suggest completly the opposite.

JasX

Lifeisbutadream wrote: »

I posted on here a while ago about my current one - I have tried a few things but I have completely given up with it now and have thrown enough money at it - I just want to start again!

all the more reason to stop messing about with it or spending money, just wipe everything and restore it to its brand new factory state.

these days they tend to come with a restore partition or CD designed to be very simple for 'non techies'.

make/model/spec information would be helpful as above

Lifeisbutadream

JasX wrote: »

all the more reason to stop messing about with it or spending money, just wipe everything and restore it to its brand new factory state.

these days they tend to come with a restore partition or CD designed to be very simple for 'non techies'.

make/model/spec information would be helpful as above

I dont understand what you mean sorry

It is a Maxdata - thats all I know?

23n1th

JasX wrote: »

why does that make any odds if its 'for business' ?

If you want to get into good backup practices and be completly free of bugs, misconfigurations and all trace of viruses wipe it, start from scratch, and prove you can restroe your backups from time to time.

or live with reduced productivity, a slow machine, glitches and unproven backups while you try to operate your business.....

I'd suggest completly the opposite.

Personally I'd say if its for business it would cost more to do the reinstall and then setting it back up again, time wasted not using it for business. Especially if there are no backups to begin with seeing as the OP knows little about computers and hasn't mentioned backups of any sort.

Donnie

It's unlikely that you would have to spend more cash. Let's take a look at the specification. Download, install and open CCleaner and write down what is written at the top of the programs interface.

Don't forget to post the brand name of the whole machine or tell if it was one bought from an independent computer shop.

Next we will run a standard malware scan, to check if there are any nasties lurking on your computer:

Download, install, update and run a Quick Scan with Malwarebytes' AntiMalware. When complete, choose 'Remove Selected' if there is anything to remove and Reboot your computer.

After restart, open the program again and go to 'Logs'. Double click on the log produced for today and post the contents here.

Next, download, install and run the HijackThis Version 2.0.3 installer and use the Quick Start guide to enable you to produce a log for posting here too.

But what you really need to do in the future(if you don't do this already) is to have a reliable back up solution. No matter which computer that you are using.

But let's take it step by step. We are here to save you money.

Maxdata eh? May need to run Chkdsk.