complete

I used the HP power supply until the replacement came in.

new monitor arrived today.
been using a square 15inch LCD for the past few years.. this 19inch widescreen LED is amazing! and looks a lot better on my desk, too.

I am in frikin love with my new system. the best "under $700" I've spent in a looong time.


------
ViewSonic 19in LED Monitor

Barebones Kit

Win7Pro64bit for System Builders

wireless KB and Mouse

4GB RAM

DOA = bummin

the PSU = DOA. tigerdirect is sending a replacement, which should arrive by Wednesday.

*sigh* so bummed right now..

edit: I took the PSU out of the HP while I wait for the replacement. downloading and installing all my stuff now. what a difference.. I love it!

the media bay I bought isn't compatible.. I can't figure out how to connect it- I'll look around online before I return it to amazon.

new computer.. new keyboard and mouse.. now I just need a new monitor... and clean up all the wires.

edit: *growl* I have Win7Pro32 and I bought the Win7Pro64 upgrade as download and disc-by-mail direct from Microsoft. I try to install by .exe and no matter what the folder permissions, an error occurs saying I don't have permission to write to the folder, and installation ceases. so I downloaded the .iso.. and I don't have any writable DVDs on hand. something is telling me I shouldn't have bought the upgrade version.. looking up if you can upgrade from 32 to 64.. if I can't use the Win7Pro64 upgrade version for whatever reason, I hope I can get my money back.


the big bummer about being stuck at 32-bit is I have 8GB RAM installed, and less than 4GB is accessible.

I'll go grab some DVD-Rs tomorrow, but according to the MS website, it should be fairly painless if I can't use it..
"To return downloadable software:
`Confirm your order was placed within the last thirty (30) days.
`Uninstall the software from your computer:
`In Windows 7 and in Vista: In Control Panel, go to Programs and Features, and then click Uninstall a program.
`In Windows XP: In Control Panel, go to Add/Remove Programs, and then click Uninstall a program.
`Call Microsoft Store at 1-877-MY-MSSTORE (1-877-696-7786) to request a return. You will be asked to confirm that you have uninstalled and have not made any copies of the software. We may also ask you to sign an electronic Letter of Destruction as a condition of your return. After you talk to a customer service agent, the product key will be blocked and you will not be able to install or use the software in the future. Microsoft Store will issue a credit to the same credit card you used to purchase and send you a receipt by email."


edit: you cannot upgrade from 32 to 64 bit. so I'm attempting to "return" the download and I ordered the full version of Win7Pro64 for system builders from amazon. Microsoft makes you wait on hold for an awful looong time... but the "return" is pretty painless.

goodbye HP

my poor, tired and clogged with dust HP Pavilion a1245c is officially being retired and gutted for parts:
AMD Athlon 64 3700+
200GB HDD
3GB RAM
LightScribe DVD-RW (dead)
DVD-ROM
Media Bay (card readers dead, USB&Firewire dead)
Win7Pro32

the replacement.. I'm excited.. and it's a project, not just plug-n-play.. more satisfying that way, I think.
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/searchtools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1922480 plus an amazon purchase:
MB w/HDMI (possible USB3.0)
AMD Phenom II X6
500GB HDD
8GB RAM
DVD-RW
DVD-ROM
Media Bay
Win7Pro64

everything is getting delivered this weekend.. a nice homework distraction, for sure.

I'll probably be in awe with how screaming fast it is compared to what I've been using. next purchase is a new monitor!