USB basically reads out as Com port. Check bios settings to see if all are enabled.

The contacts on mobo are of dirt and/or rust, if not that one module is DOA (extremely rare, give yourself benefit of doubt) Only place that I know of that actually checks modules is MicroCenter...

Did you actually REMOVE the modules or just poke at'em?
Seems to me that you were already at the prob. source then!

Copy your post and private mail to Beastmanh.

"Method of file xfer etc. is up to you."
Once you get the Operating System, (W2K, ME, XP) booted to Desktop there are several different ways to read, transfer, manipulate your files.

Wasn't sure what exactly you wanted to do.
If you can make a valid hardware connection then the BIOS on the mobo or a adapter such as or similar to a RAID will provide hardware support.
The OS...

You didn't note as to laptop or desktop to begin with?

Yea, you could but why?
Depends on BIOS capability.

Replace on/off switch and/or PSU. Your stated you "flicked on the switch" but negelected to state which one.

Installed ram and page file (ram) is apples and oranges. Try letting the OS govern the page file size.
How the system board sees ram and how the OS sees ram is two different views. The system...

There are a lot more features on HDs that weren't there as little as 7-8 years ago. S.M.A.R.T. is only one of them. If the onboard circuitry isn't up to snuff, naturally it becomes lame one way or...

You have more than one instance of the same hardware item. Unistall (right click) the one that indicates "Secondary". Right click the one remaining and select "Properties". Any err. msg. will be...

In basic agreement with C_jack. Unless you've some ability to comprehend a wiring schematic of the unit, you're basically shooting in the dark with a blindfold on attempting a do-it-yourself. The...

>>>main power
You mean the AC adapter?

Control Panel > System > Hardware(tab) > Device Manager
click on the + next to where it says Display Adapters and see if the "Radeon X1650 SEries" or words to that effect is listed. Yes/No? Is...

It's been out for a while and a possible cheap way out is another rechargeable batt.

>>>last time used
which was how long ago?

Although you've tried a few possibilities there are still a lot of unknowns here. At this point it could still be anything. Maybe you could try another...

>>>accumulation of vast amounts of data
Considered highly unlikely, like, some w/in the range of impossibility.
>>>Partition Magic
A mistake with a hidden purpose. Had you used FDISK, as I...

Have you (re)installed the updated drivers?

Failing partion. Doesn't look good, maybe time to contact mfg. The curious part is that the HD works fine, or so you said, under another OS.
If the partion had took your files would already be...

>>>in Disk Management the drive is "Disk 1"
in older ver. of this OS HDs were given the first drive (folder) designations C, D, E, etc. and optical (CD) drives were given the last ones as they were...

Is the OS and GA updates current?

>>>does Windows XP Pro SP2 have the ability to support these kinds of sizes
Actually I don't recall myself if it does or not, but it COULD very well be a valid issue. Would have to extensively us...

To what end?
Did you, by chance, check the OS's ability to mount that size disk?

(U posted about the same time I did.)

>>>reinstalling Windows doesn't really reveal anything about the problem

Repair installs usually DON'T work because the install puts on the original system files, drivers, etc. that DO NOT work...

The inside of the kbd is obviously contamimated, as you noted, spilled drinks that act like glue to any dirt, lint, etc.
>>>RFI or EMI issue, or just keyboard issue
do you have another server to...

>>>a Windows issue: if a vir. was involved a system repair may or may not work as unknown damage to other files may/may not exist and could become time consuming. If the HD is basically sound and...

this was picked up at another site, it may help.

Disable NCQ on the NVIDIA nForce4 controller

In my case I never had to go past step one. Once I disabled Native Command Queuing and rebooted the...

The prob. with external devices of any type is that the connections cables tend to lose their connection, even if you are positive that the cable is is place it may not be, i.e. lack of continuity. ...

Do you have another machine to try the new HD in?

Do you have another machine to try the new HD in?
I know it seems unlikely but I've had some bad drives right out of the box myself.

For the beeps, as beep codes vary from one mfg. to the next you'll have to contact mfg's site for exact definitions.
Beeps usually mean a critical hardware error. You might want to clean the fins,...

Another thought, have you tried a different GA?

GA = Graphics Adapter (video card)

you've apparently found your prob., i.e. bad cable. until repaired/replaced the fix you've found may not hold too long.
yep, you could at least try the...

When booting up the GA uses basic settings, however, when the OS takes hold IT'S using enhanced mode drivers. Try booting in Safe mode for a check.
The drivers may be corrupt and may need to be...

This is hardware issue. Given the age of the machine I'd check for a contaminated set of cooling fins. Short of that I'd take the card back to the retailer for a refund/replacement.

Did you try replacing the ribbon cable?

What VC you use is a matter of individual choice.
If you use a VC with a different chipset then it rules, the onboard has no effect.
Basic rule is, if YOU like the way it delivers your video, then...

I get that you're trying to format a drive but beyond that I can't cypher what you're trying to say.
Try to be a little more specific with less shorthand.

fyi:
disc = cd, dvd, etc.
disk = hard drive
diskette = floppy, etc.

unless you're into a hi-tech boat anchor there's nothing you can do with a dead HD but circular file it. most the files can...