BleepingComputer.com: Dell Desk Top WXP

OK, Thanks Phil, you got me on the research road again so I have some stuff to check out, . .
Meanwhile I think I am going to the Hardware forum and ask about corrosion the is a little around the modem card, where the dial up connects to the outside, it is just about enough to make you slightly uncomfortable without checking into it.

The thing is where I am located salt air is fairly common, I don't know where or how this happened, but it appears to be worth checking.

I spoke to a guy today about having some diagnostic work done by way of his shop, and I may do it since he is reasonable, I just tinker with this for a bit.

Thanks all !

BTW---FYI---

This PC will read and perform from the floppy drive, i.e. "F" Disc, it has read and loaded from these, is there a chance I can try something else ?

or even get to the HD from there, or possibly if I could get the BIOS right I may be able to Boot off the installation disc ?

Ahh, that seemed to have worked, . .

Wait a minute who am I talking to ?

You mention of corrosion is not a good one when it come to these boxes, I would power down unplug and pull each and every card. plug etc. I was a yacht broker with an office on the water (salt) periodically I would have to open the box and check all my connections. It takes only the very slightest stain on a prong to cause issues, I used a contact cleaner and a soft clothe on the boards and ram.

Phil

OK, This PC cam e to me from a friend and has no history to speak of, . . so I gather it was from the area, "mid-Atlantic marina country", and the corrosion is probably the product of the weather here. most stuff inside the tower looks pretty stainless, but you can never trust salt, . its an invisible viper and you can never tell, when or where is gonna bite you!

I am wondering how the sea venturers are going to do as they head toward Florida for the winter with there Lap Tops ??
Thanks Phil

I have treated to friends on board computer with CRC Rust Preventative, I lightly coated all contact surfaces so far so good one has been back and forth to the Caribbean three times without a hiccup!

Phil

Would any of those have been Lap Tops ?