HP Pavilion w WinMe - UPGRADE project advice

I have an HP Pavilion with Windows Millennium installed - to give an idea of the PC's age. I am considering upgrading it instead of buying a new box. Is this a good idea or a waste of cash?

 

Depends on the spec.

Download and run Everest - then select Computer spec and post back the details.

Also, post your budget and what you intend to upgrade (as in terms of parts and operating system etc).

 

In your case its a waste of time and money.
The newer mother boards wont even fit in that case.
The most you can do is get a CPU that runs at 450Mhz, and more memory.
It will never be powerful enuff to run XP.
If you do upgrade, ME is total garbage, format the hard drive and put in Win98 SE.

 

I agree with mcadam. A lot has to do with the primary purpose of the pc, whether it is for gaming or doing everyday tasks such as email, browsing, or office work. A lot of the pc's that were originally loaded with ME were labeled as XP capable, and most are!

Right now, I'm using a computer from that era ( home built ) using XP and it gives great performance for everyday tasks. Running an Athlon T-Bird Processor ( 1 gigahertz ) and 1 gig memory. Hope this helps!

 

How can you state these things when system model and specs arent even listed? as far as email and forums the box should work just fine. Just add a little ram to give you a boost and maybe a hd for a little extra storage if you need it

 

Agreed.

 

Ya sure.....
you can do all that with a 486. :neener
Like you say, she never gave specs yet, so i am as rite as you are at this time.
And ya, if shes got a 1GHz all she needs is more memory, and of corse 1GHz will run XP.

Ive got a Compac with Sempron 3000+ that aint really old, and it couldnt be upgraded worth beans cuz the CPU socket type is obsolete......

 

Hi Daisy

Welcome to Major Geeks :major

If you follow mcadam's reply and download Everest (it is free )

You will be able to tell us what components you already have, and then we will be able to advise you on how upgadeable it is.

When you post those details back
would you please also tell us what you plan to use the computer for
ie: Word processing, Internet, Email, Video Editing, Gaming etc

As well as what operating system you plan to use: Windows ME, XP, Vista or something else altogether.

At Major Geeks we always make sure that we get as much info as possible.
That way we can give correct, relevant and helpful advice

 

Don't know if you have had this pc a long time, but does it still do what you want or do you have a new application you want to run?

In nearly every case the cost of upgrading Windows is deal breaker as a later version will set you back at least £75. Dell are advertising a modern new laptop, complete with new Windows for £199.

There will be many things an elderly pc like yours will not do, in particular any USB ports will be to the old standard (USB1), but you can get add in USB2 cards for a few £. So if you have new USB gadgets that don't work this can be overcome quite cheaply and easily.
Don't 'upgrade to Win98 ' It is hard to find USB devices that just plug in, at least W Millenium has this capability 98 does not.

Don't worry that the system is 'old hat' Windows ME/9xx still has quite a following here at Major Geeks. I still have several clients running businesses with them too.

Tell us more about why you want to upgrade and what you want to do.