Dell Dimension 4100 Series Desktop - Scrap orSalvage?

...try running a Linux distro from a live cd to get your files out. Also, you can use it for the internet etc.

Dafydd.

Hello MrFrampton,

To answer your question, and if you don't mind me being completely honest with you, I'd say scrap it. It's an old system, as you said, 12 years old. And 12 years in the PC realm it's very, very old imo

All the parts you've listed are outdated, and seeing it still has a 3.5 floppy drive, and a 40GB drive, well it's a good indication it's time to move on...

About your specific questions:

1. Newer hard drives have a different type of connection (bus), they mostly use SATA (Serial Advanced Tech Attachment). So, unless you find an adapter, they will not connect to your existing motherboard. So, I don't recommend replacing it as it may cost you more, and you may end up spending more time installing and troubleshooting...

2. Well, it could run your basic programs, like an early version of MS Office. That being said, today's program have higher minimum requirements. They require more hard drive space, more RAM. And I'm pretty sure it won't run any modern games. Internet? Yes, but very slow, since it has a Modem, and will probably use a telephone line (dial-up) to connect to your provider. Then again, today's ISP offer cable connectivity, dial-up is old tech. And streaming videos from YouTube will be more frustrating and entertaining.

3. I don't think so. I think Microsoft has stopped supporting ME a long time ago, and I don't think you can upgrade from Windows ME to Win 7 or 8.

4. No, not really. Sorry, I don't mean to be a bear, but your system is just too old. (Personally, I upgrade my PCs once or twice every two years - mainly for gaming and media).

5. You can take your hard drive (and nothing else) to a system/file recovery shop. Just do a search for "Hard Drive Recovery" online, I'm sure you'll find a solution.

I think it's great that you are thinking about building your own computer, I'd start fresh if I were you. Go to your local electronics store (i.e. Frys or similar) and speak with their hardware specialists.

Of note, when building a new pc, you'll need the following:

1. Motherboard (note, today's motherboards come with integrated network cards/chip and sound cards, so don't worry about these last two components).
2. CPU
3. GPU (Graphic Processing Unit, a.k.a. video card)
4. Memory (I recommend no less than 4GB, 8GB is ideal)
5. PSU (Power supply unity. Make sure to get a 500w or higher)
6. Case (Some towers come with a PSU already)
7. Hard Drive (although, the new Solid State Drives (SSD) are the way to go...faster, but a bit more expensive)
8. CD/DVD Player

By the way, a good online retailer is Newegg.com

I hope the above helps you MrFramption

Best,
Sam

You need to install the most ram it can handle then replace the HD with a 80gb or better, probably EIDE type. Then install using XP as the OS, yes that was installed on other Dell 4100 models, so its up to you if you plan to rebuild and use it. As XP however won't be supported after 2014, you have limited if no support from MS. Add up the expenses, is it worth it to you? Anything else that may apply to better the PC build, like video, etc..

tada -----Willy

The ram you would need to upgrade to at least 256mb of ram, you need 512mb to install vista,7,8,8.1

1) upgrade your ram to 512 which is the max
2) you should upgrade your hard drive to something like an 80gb, I got mine for 10$ at micro center
3) you could get a SSD those are much faster than a HDD
4) if you want to install with less than 512mb of ram use something like HxD Hex editor to edit the installer, with windows 7 you will need to find string with: 77 07 3D 78 01 and replace that with E9 04 00 0 00 (different for vista,8,8.1)
5)If you do upgrade to either 7 or 8, do something like windows 7 starter, home basic, or home premium, or windows 8 core, but windows 7 starter would be the best since its so stripped down, but you don't even have the option for a desktop background with starter, so id recommend 7 home basic

I have a dell dimension 4100 with
.863Mhz PIII processor
.256 MB SD-RAM
.80gb WD 5400rpm HDD
.Sony CD Drive
.Toshiba DVD Drive
.ATI Rage 128 Pro graphics card
. Windows XP SP3

If so, instead of a hard drive, get a USB flashdrive and use that like a hard drive. You can't load windows to it, but can a lightweight linux version, like Puppy Linux, or DSL aka Damn Small Linux. As you can see from here, there are scant few Linux versions that will run on 128 MB RAM anymore.

Hmm, I get the notice it's a 2 year old thread. Hope you just parted the computer out and bought a new or refurbished newer one instead.

July 13, 2015 - MON (When Reply Posted)

I don't technically agree w/ Warsam71's resp in-ref/in-reg to scraping or discarding a Dell Dimension 4100 Series.

Although my resp may superimpose or carry over sentimental value (as I was once the proud owner of a Dimension 4100 back in July '01) - I still do believe that Dimension 4100 can be more likely put to use in small-scale op such as functioning as a music player; video switcher; or anything where performance is not upheld to current standards.

If you take a look at what Warsam mentioned, "it will not support modern programs - not necessarily true..." because it's entirely dependent on whether you choose to run the current op sys (Windows 8.1 or Windows 10) but if you stick w/ WinME keep in mind that there is less of a processor demand & also you still may be able to browse the internet on a DSL card or cable modem or "functioning as a gaming machine - completely true" unless you are a gaming freak - I wouldn't recommend utilizing the computer that dated both because there is no op sys support for that ver of win & also because it is no longer designed for advanced purposes.

As for the SATA or RAID config - good luck finding an adapter although I do recall that there may be a proprietary power supply but you may be able to find a HDD easily from ebay or Amazon.com which would req greater efforts due to their obsolescence.

Remember: Speed & power & memory is all relative - & back in the day (2001) that WAS a very GOOD computer.

I suggest if you can get your hands on an adapter or HD ext. case/dock for probably EIDE usage. Then retrieve whatever data you want and then chuck the whole PC. HOWEVER< if the HD is the only problem, then getting you hands on another EIDE which I *assume* is what was installed, then reload the OS, etc. and re-use the PC for whatever reason. Of course, that's up to you. Alas, if it failed it may again, but it did last all those yrs. until now. Plus, you have all that valid and working s/w that maybe needed to replace on any other PC. if at all. You can even try a "live version" of Linux using only the CD drive to see how it handles. Just get the Linux .ISO file and burn properly to create one. I suggest Ubuntu version for now.

FYI- I scrap many an older PC to its pure guts but I do try to save or redeem them with all the used parts, maybe sell(cheap) or give away to someone.

tada -----Willy