Intermitent Desktop Problems

Windows XP Home SP3 512MB RAM

Recently obtained a used computer (Dell Dimension 4300). Deleted contents of My Documents, uninstalled most software except basics, ran CCleaner, installed AVG, scanned PC, updated Windows and ran Defrag.

System was working fine for a day... then my mouse stopped working. Installed a wireless USB mouse. Ran OK for a few minutes, then stopped working and the light on the USB unit went out. Next, the keyboard stopped working.

Re-booted a few times and unplugged/plugged in keyboard and original wired mouse several times. Nothing... can't use mouse or keyboard. It appears the USB plugs and mouse/keyboard plugs became defective. Do I have a motherboard that's gone bad?

Thanks, hcrawfor

 

I would take bets on the power supply, different rails on the psu power different parts of the motherboard. ed

 

Is there a simply way to test the power supply unit before purchasing. I'm not much of an electrician . hcrawfor

 

Without the right tools no, do you have another pc that you can switch out the psu to test? ed