[villagetinker]

Originally Posted by alwann

Thanks to all who offered advice. Status, if you're still interested. I took the desktop in question to MMD. They said the motherboard is bad, and they don't do motherboard fixes, even if they could source one. They will build a new machine for me with all the bells and whistles I want for around 4 grand. They'll also xfer all apps and data too (for additional fee). Seems high. Dell will sell me a new machine with the same features for about half of MMD quoted. Question: if I buy the Dell, how do I port the apps and files from the dead PC? It remains frozen, can't navigate.

You can remove the hard drive from the bad computer and get a suitable USB to your hard drive converter. This will allow you to get all of your DATA files onto your new computer. As for the apps, your will need to reinstall these, there is no practical way to get these on to the new computer without going through a normal installation. Also, I would keep the old hard drive as it always appears a data file you need will be hidden somewhere on it.

[bob47]

You can take the hard drive to Best Buy, along with another storage device, and the Geek Squad will transfer the data. I think they charge $100.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Originally Posted by alwann

Thanks to all who offered advice. Status, if you're still interested. I took the desktop in question to MMD. They said the motherboard is bad, and they don't do motherboard fixes, even if they could source one. They will build a new machine for me with all the bells and whistles I want for around 4 grand. They'll also xfer all apps and data too (for additional fee). Seems high. Dell will sell me a new machine with the same features for about half of MMD quoted. Question: if I buy the Dell, how do I port the apps and files from the dead PC? It remains frozen, can't navigate.

Unless you're a professional gamer, you really don't need a $4000 computer. You can get a high quality non-gaming desktop with all the bells and whistles for under $2000. You can get a desktop useful for desktop publishing, CAD drawing, Office suite, excellent graphics, streaming videos, a few fans, and fast processor for $700-1000.
A more mundane desktop will run you around $500, give or take. Doesn't include a monitor.