Help with base unit purchase please

**woody123**

Hi,

Last night my computer failed on me again and this time because of it's age i thought i would look in to getting just a base unit only.

I've seen a few on ebay for a cheap price.

I just need XP already installed and the computer must then be able to connect to the internet. I've have seen a Dell base unit which has been refurbished but i don't understand some of the terminology used when looking if it has XP installed. I've copied and pasted below from the listing

Intel Pentium 4 1.7GHz processor
512MB RAM memory
40GB storage hard drive
(upgradeable to 500GB)
CD-ROM drive
(upgradeable to DVDRW/CDRW rewriter)
Genuine Microsoft Windows XP COA

Integrated Audio and fast Ethernet
2 x Full size PCI expansion slots
1 x Low profile AGP expansion slot

Does the above look ok, it's only £50 ...

Can anyone help?

fwor

For £50, it's only Ok - it's probably around eight years old, and I've been given better spec PCs for nothing on Freegle...

But if literally all you're going to do with it is use a browser, it would be just about adequate with XP.

Beware - sometimes when they say "Windows XP COA" it just means that it has the sticker on it. You need to be sure that XP is installed and/or an installation CD is provided.

**woody123**

Thanks for the help.

I'll ask the question.

spakkker

That is below spec esp. ram and hdd size . Look on Stuff4sale ,Loot, gumtree and local ebay - it's not worth posting a cheap tower around the country.
Can get them with a fresh install of xp from £25.

**woody123**

Thanks i'll do that..

Looks like no XP is included anyway.

We are unable to supply any discs with the computer. However, as the computer has a genuine, legitimate Microsoft Windows software COA license that includes the product key, any OEM copy of the Windows CD can be used to reinstall the operating system if you ever need to.

spakkker

Have you tried the top thread to speed up a slow pc??
Use ccleaner /tools/startup to disable everything from starting up automatically on your pc except antivirus ,reboot and see how it goes.

closed

Failed in what way?

**woody123**

closed wrote: »

Failed in what way?

Won't even boot in safe mode.. I've had enough of the computer now to be honest. It's 7 years old and i need a computer i can trust as i do some work from home on it.

**woody123**

I've just had this email from a local computer shop. Does this one sound ok for £80..

AMD Athlon XP 1600+
384 MB RAM
40GB HDD
10/100 Network Card
Nvidia FX5200 128MB AGP Graphics Card
CD RW Drive
DVD ROM Drive
MS XP Home COA XP is installed i checked
Front and back USB Ports
In very good condition and original HP Case

Total cost of £80.00

System

what type of work are you needing to do on that machine? looks like it would take a day or two to boot! where are you located? i have some hardware taking up room in a corner here....

**woody123**

Near Dudley, West Midlands..

If it was a couple of years old i would love at go at getting it back working again but it's just so slow and i would just like a new base unit to keep me going until i move out and then i'll buy me a new computer.

Can't buy one now because my nieces and nephews would go on it.