Doug
If (1) instance of streaming video is functioning well and as expected without crashing, then you may decide to declare victory and resume using the machine as you have in the past.
Isn't it highly unlikely that you would want to or need to view 4 instances of streaming video at the same time.
Sure it's a possible "stress test" but not representative of ordinary functioning.
Yes, Try the external Fan.
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Sure, it's "possible", but you report that you ran command sfc /scannow without returning any results.
So that would indicate that the operating system has all of its correct files.
You also report having run command chkdsk /r without returning any results, indicating that the hard drive file structure is free from error of bad-sector.
You haven't clearly responded to inquiry about any Warnings in Device Manager, but you have indicated that you updated your AGP driver, and the machine is "generally" running now.
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Your initial problem report stated that your machine experienced a "surge" and that correct functioning declined from that point forward. You further reported that you identify discoloration of the contacts of your AGP Card.
That report of "physical damage" suggests possibility of Motherboard, Chipset, CPU, PCI and PSU problems.
You've also discovered that your machine did, in fact, respond favorably to a little cleaning with compressed air.
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What would I do?
I'd give the interior of the case another very thorough cleaning with compressed air and I'd make absolutely sure that air intakes and exhausts were not clogged.
Note: it was not a mistake to attempt cleaning the PSU by directing compressed air into its intake slots.
In fact, if you got a big cloud of dust, you should persist with more compressed air until the cloud disappears.
If cleaning alone restores the machine to prior level of good functioning, I'd be happy. and would continue using the machine for prior routine computing.
If not, I would consider replacing the PSU and wire harnessing.
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After the above, even if the machine was running adequately…
I would keep all important documents and media backed up regularly to external CD, DVD, or external HD.
I would keep the OS updated.
I would keep the security software updated and run regularly.
I would use a competent temporary file cleaner such as ATF-Cleaner on a regular basis.
I would use compressed air on a more frequent regular basis for physical cleaning.
I would reduce the number of lights and/or appliances plugged into the same house circuit as the computer.
I would regularly inspect the inside of the case for dirt/debris/air-circulation/fan function.
I would regularly inspect the MotherBoard capacitors for bulging and/or leaks.
I would "only" connect the computer and peripheral devices to power via a fresh surge-protector.
_________________________________________________________________
No one really knows how long a machine actually lasts.
Most folks estimate that a Hard Drive should last 3-5 years
But I have functional HDs that are way over 10 years old and I regularly run a PIII machine with Win2000 that I pieced together from throw-away parts in 1996.
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But after a damaging "surge", I would remain suspicious that the machine's or various components' lifetime had possibly been shortened.
Doug
Isn't it highly unlikely that you would want to or need to view 4 instances of streaming video at the same time.
Sure it's a possible "stress test" but not representative of ordinary functioning.
Yes, Try the external Fan.
________________________________________________________________
is it possible that maybe my windows is corrupted from spyware and all that nasty stuff even after it was all cleaned out?
Sure, it's "possible", but you report that you ran command sfc /scannow without returning any results.
So that would indicate that the operating system has all of its correct files.
You also report having run command chkdsk /r without returning any results, indicating that the hard drive file structure is free from error of bad-sector.
You haven't clearly responded to inquiry about any Warnings in Device Manager, but you have indicated that you updated your AGP driver, and the machine is "generally" running now.
_________________________________________________________________
Your initial problem report stated that your machine experienced a "surge" and that correct functioning declined from that point forward. You further reported that you identify discoloration of the contacts of your AGP Card.
That report of "physical damage" suggests possibility of Motherboard, Chipset, CPU, PCI and PSU problems.
You've also discovered that your machine did, in fact, respond favorably to a little cleaning with compressed air.
________________________________________________________________
What would I do?
I'd give the interior of the case another very thorough cleaning with compressed air and I'd make absolutely sure that air intakes and exhausts were not clogged.
Note: it was not a mistake to attempt cleaning the PSU by directing compressed air into its intake slots.
In fact, if you got a big cloud of dust, you should persist with more compressed air until the cloud disappears.
If cleaning alone restores the machine to prior level of good functioning, I'd be happy. and would continue using the machine for prior routine computing.
If not, I would consider replacing the PSU and wire harnessing.
________________________________________________________________
After the above, even if the machine was running adequately…
I would keep all important documents and media backed up regularly to external CD, DVD, or external HD.
I would keep the OS updated.
I would keep the security software updated and run regularly.
I would use a competent temporary file cleaner such as ATF-Cleaner on a regular basis.
I would use compressed air on a more frequent regular basis for physical cleaning.
I would reduce the number of lights and/or appliances plugged into the same house circuit as the computer.
I would regularly inspect the inside of the case for dirt/debris/air-circulation/fan function.
I would regularly inspect the MotherBoard capacitors for bulging and/or leaks.
I would "only" connect the computer and peripheral devices to power via a fresh surge-protector.
_________________________________________________________________
No one really knows how long a machine actually lasts.
Most folks estimate that a Hard Drive should last 3-5 years
But I have functional HDs that are way over 10 years old and I regularly run a PIII machine with Win2000 that I pieced together from throw-away parts in 1996.
_________________________________________________________________
But after a damaging "surge", I would remain suspicious that the machine's or various components' lifetime had possibly been shortened.
Doug
