Urgently need advice re: my computer hard drive (or tower)?

Question

Ok. I have an AOL Optimized PC- bought back in 2004. Last September when I moved out, my ex bf (jerk) YANKED all of the cords out of the back of my PC tower (it's a miracle it still works, basically. When he yanked my speaker cords out, he bent up the metal backing so badly that I cannot hook up my speakers anymore because they don't FIT. What should I do? Is it possible to have the metal back of the tower removed, and a new one put in? Any suggestions would be helpful. I miss my speakers! Thanks :o) ( I have Windows XP if that makes any difference.)

I would never have chosen an AOL optimized PC; my parents bought it for me for my birthday. I've heard of The Geek Squad from Best Buy (they come out and fix it for you but it probably costs a fortune.) A friend of mine told me to replace the sound card, but I don't know how to do it. (PC Challenged, here) :o)

Answer 1

I don't know if you have a local MicroCenter store in your area, but they have to be just about the best computer equipment outlet there is. They even offer classes for building your own computer. It sounds like you will need a new tower, which may not be as expensive as you are thinking. You are not replacing the contents of the tower, just the mechanical parts of the outside. You can transfer the motherboard, hard drive, and other internal components (the brain and heart of your computer) to a new tower.

A new tower can cost you anywhere from $100-$300 dollars or more. I would look for a wholesale computer store, if you don't have a MicroCenter near you, and find a computer science student to help transfer the parts. They won't charge you as much as the independent contractors or "Geek Squad" people will. Maybe you even know someone who will do it for free.

Answer 2

Most PC's have slots to (upgrade/install a new) soundcard. If you aren't looking for some amazing stereo system, just "normal" performance, you can find nice soundcards at Walmart or any other similar store in your area.
Typically computers come with a manual with at least a little bit of info as to whether your computer can be added to - with such a discount pc I am not familiar with if yours can be or not.
Here is a link to a page that will give you an idea of what would be involved to do it yourself:
http://www.smartcomputing.com/editorial/article.asp?article=articles/archive/3up/3up14/3up14.asp

If you are unsure of your ability to do it right, it may be well worth the money to take it to a reputable shop. It's not really hard per se, but you do need to do it correctly.

Answer 3

It is cheaper to upgrade system because you would want to do it in the long run dues to the growing demand for performance. Harddrive doesn't make computer faster. They acts as a storage but doesn't persuades your computer to work faster. High speed internet is a must have! There is not too many reason why you should have dial-up connection in the first place except traveling.

Answer 4

Generally, you could probably get the plate fixed or replaced for a nominal fee, much cheaper than purchasing a new sound card. However the sound card may have been damaged during the process.

Answer 5

Just take it to a computer shop and tell them to replace the sound card. You could have a new plate put on the back but i dont know how much they cost.

Answer 6

Take it to a place that repairs computers, like a Circuit City. Since they repair computers, they should be able to fix that part too.

Answer 7

yes. If you are not comfortable doing this yourself, just bring it to the shop where they fix computers, they can fix this for you.

Answer 8

What necro said.......

Oh, and glad to hear he's an "ex"... computer abuse leads to spousal abuse 98% of the time....