had you gone to windows updates and got the multitude of updates you would need after using recovery material to re install windows? If not that is probably what happened it started trying to download and install all those many updates and it locked it up. You may have even needed service pack 2 and 3 with a unit that old. plus of course all your antivirus programs etc would be trying to update also. It is always best when doing that kind of recovery where you will be very very far behind in windows updates to turn off automatic updates and go manually to windows update and first get your service packs in order and be absolutely sure to reboot the computer after each service pack, then get any remaining updates. I usually suggest getting them in small batches and creating a restore point before each service pack and before each batch of updates. Should something go wrong you have a good restore point to return to.

Well if the mobo was replaced a month ago we should be able to eliminate Frys. Did you remove the left side panel and see if the fan over the CPU heatsink was spinning? If you are comfortable inside the case then remove the power cord from the back of the tower, remove the side again and look to see if the heatsink is fastened tightly to the CPU. Rest an arm on the metal case while gently trying to move the heatsink. Strangely I recently read an article about a broken heatsink retaining bracket. If the heatsink is loose this could well cause the computer not to start as the built in safety factor will kick in preventing you from burning out the CPU or processor. While you are inside take a look at the 20 or 24 pin power connector coming from the power supply to the motherboard to ensure that is seated and the retaining clip is in place. Restart with the side off to watch the fan plus see if the LED lights on the front of the case light up at all.

Don't know what I was searching but I landed on this webpage showing me how to change my default image viewer from Windows Picture and Fax Viewer to my choice. I like to use Picasa so I choose to follow the steps which seemed to work. Unfortunately the same thing happens, I have to go into My Computer and click on the folder with the pictures on it. I've still got the same question going through my mind.....why doesn't Picasa (or WPF) automatically open up and play the CD when I insert it in the CD drive? When I put in a CD about how to use my new blender, it opens up automatically and starts playing. Ginny Here is a link that might be useful: Ask Leo

If it's really old, the laptop probably has little value. If you want to make sure the hard drive doesn't contain personal info, remove it and smash it with a hammer. To get at the hard drive you usually just turn the laptop over and remove a couple of screws that cover the hard drive access panel.