BleepingComputer.com: Various Hardware Problems

Having the problems with desktop computer:
-USB mouse stops responding
-Secondary slave drive sometimes disappears, and does not reappear until computer has been restarted several times
-Access times for many of the programs are slow
-Power supply fan does not turn
-Computer freezes

(Going to backup files to primary HD, in case of catastrophic HD failure)

The computer is quite old. Here's a description:
-Windows XP Professional SP3
-768 MB Mainboard memory
-ATI Radeon 7000 Series video card
-Master\Slave drives (90GB)
-300 Watt PSU
-1.6GHZ Intel P4 Processor Socket 478 (Note: CPU Heatsink bracket has lost a piece, thus it does not securely lock down onto the processor)

(Going to guess that it's going to end up being a faulty psu and of course the heatsink needs to be replaced and thermal paste needs to be reapplied).

Any explanation for the symptoms would be appreciated, thank ahead of time.

Michael

This quote you made above concerns me the most.

-1.6GHZ Intel P4 Processor Socket 478 (Note: CPU Heatsink bracket has lost a piece, thus it does not securely lock down onto the processor)

This will be the major concern you need to correct, however possible.

If the heat sink is not properly taking the heat away from the processor, the processor will start to over heat and exhibit various issues.

Your PSU may be partly at fault, but your first concern should be finding a way to repair the heat sink lock down piece that is missing or broken.

Bruce.

As MrBruce said it is an overheating problem. Heatsink first but the power supply might need to be replaced as well since an overheating power supply can cause all kinds of weird problems. First thing I would do is take it outside and blast it with a can of compressed air from every angle I can get to it from. This may get the fan spinning again although I wouldn't count on it.