Do you have a windows 7 disc?
If so re-install and format hard disc (all will be wiped) and you should have no problems.
I use the Dell Outlet quite a bit. You can generally find good Windows 7 machines. These are off lease and in pretty good shape. My favorites are the USFF (ultra small form factor) desktops. The prices are good.
I’ve got a couple of friends who got refurbed PCs at Staples and Walmart. They came loaded with adware and other crap.
I just got a “new” computer for my wife. I got an extra HDD and cloned the one that came with the machine. If the new HDD dies or gets corrupted, just a matter of popping in the clone.
StarTech docking stations for cloning are about $60.
Switch to Mac. You’ll be happier in the long run.
You could consider a new computer and let the local computer shop handle your technical support.
You might just need a new hard drive and a copy of the operating system from the manufacturer. Plus more memory. Even the processor can be replaced.
But if the motherboard is shot, well then it’s time for a new Timex.
I had no problems when I upgraded to Windows 10. I was a Windows 7 user who upgraded to Windows 8 and was sorry I did that.
Great to see you posting, Bay! I always appreciate your cycling posts. I have tons of computers and also like 7 for lots of software reasons... I have found that my life sort of “changed” when I committed to thoroughly cleaning my computers on a regular basis. Keep ‘em cool (an extra cooling fan helps) and every few months open them up and blow out / wipe off / and vacuum them. I used compressed air and a 1500W canister vac, and I really just get in there ‘til everything sparkles.
Get a new hard drive. Install Linux Mint and then a Virtual Box Win7.
Live happily ever after...
Dell Refurbished website
You haven’t “owned” the operating system since Windows XP came out.
Your choices are Win 10 which isn’t bad, or move to a linux system.
I use both types and prefer the Win 10 machine for word processing and spreadsheets. The Ubuntu machine is for surfing, emails, and all other things.
Buck up and get Windows 10 regardless. Shop at costco or Best Buy, things often go on sale. Buy a extended service warranty if it’s no more than 10% of the actual cost. Amazon may be good too, and perhaps Tax Free in your state.
You didn’t really describe what your intended use was/is. If you need performance, get 16Gbyte, 4Ghz Intel I7 core processor — buy a built one from reputable source. Don’t build it yourself or have a friend build it for you. They often screw up the power and cooling requirements.
There is a very interesting entry level MAC for $500, but you have to provide your own monitor or TV. That would be perfect if you just want ease of use for browsing, printing, email and FR.
If your interest is games, particularly high performance games then go back to my first two paragraphs.
I am a hard core Win 7 Pro user. MSFT updates are turned off, I run good anti-malware software and am careful where I go on the 'net. Perfectly happy.
Windows 10 can be an update nightmare.
Get on the dayglored Windows ping list.
Press the F8 key while booting up and read the menu options that pop up.
I run three small businesses, I do everything on the five that I own. My wife, who is not computer savvy at all, just got a new iMac and she just start right in using it.
When our grandson was 3 years old, he could just barely get his hand to grip the mouse and he would use my wife's mac and no one ever taught him to do any of it. It is very intuitive. The GFI (Graphic User Interface) makes it very easy to use.
I find Windows operating systems too cumbersome when compared to a Mac. More steps to do the same things. Just a personal bias. I like Macs better.
Check out EBAY. These type of machines come up frequently as refurbished and with warranties.
In most cases you don’t have to do the bidding thing if you are willing to pay the posted “Buy Now” price.
Keep in mind that you get what you pay for - buy a cheap PC box with cheap parts and pay the price (part failure) later.
If you absolutely have to have windows, buy the best make of PC in your price range. Do not skimp. If you have to skimp, drop down a model or two; just buy the best.
Else you could pay about the same for the same bells and whistles with a Mac which includes the best parts inside (same parts as the best PC you might get) and run any other OS: all flavors/versions of Windows and Linux - limited only by the size of your HD; you cannot do that on any PC without a lot of tech tinkering.
Plus no need to Norton or PCmatic or any of that expensive antivirus, anti-malware, etc stuff.
Elderly types have no problem with running a Mac unlike a PC.
Then there is the iPad Pro if you really like light, and powerful. As the commercial says, “What’s a PC?”
Something to think about.
Get a Mac, bit of a learning curve but no viruses and you’ll be happy you did. Eventually. I know, Windows at work, Mac at home.