Computer/Network questions. I need multiple computers for internet based school. Which way to go?

[james_bond_007]

5) USB port bad/flaky ? There should be several USB ports on the computer and a few different USB controllers on board (each controller shows up in the Device manager, and shows the ports attached). Try a different port for the adapter that is on a different controller

6) BIOS -- view the Bios settings and see if you can find any settings "of interest"

7) Swap HDs - If the computers are identical, temporarily "borrow" the boot HD from a "good" computer and install it in the "bad" computer. There are a few things that might not work, due to settings like MAC address, but they can be easily changed .

8) Also try the "bad computer " HD in a "good computer, and see if you can install the driver

9) Memory not seated well ? - Try reseating the RAM

10) Memory bad/flakey?
...a) Does the (right amount) of memory show up (in the BIOS or Dev Manager)
......i) same amount as the others?
......ii) Equal the amount the modules add up to ?
...b) Right "kind" of memory or memory types mixed (non-ECC vs ECC , parity vs. non parity, )
...c) Unbalanced modules ? Often they need to be put in as "like-size-pairs" and can't be randomly mixed when inserted
...d) Run a memory test to see if you have any bad RAM areas.
...e) Swap in the memory from a "good" computer, making sure each module goes in the "Exact Same Place" ...you can tag and mark them with a piece of tape

In my opinion, these are not "tearing the computer apart" , as they are items that a user might want to self-replace/upgrade, like memory, themselves.

Having a known good/working and Identical computer is a HUGE benefit. You have a "golden reference model" of parts that are KNOWN WORKING/KNOWN GOOD. Swapping out good parts for suspect parts is a lot easier than having just a "bad" computer that you have to try and guess what is wrong, and find some tests to run.

IMHO, If you pulled the heatsink off the processor and swapped processors, opened up the power supply, opened up the HD or CD ROM drive, you'd be "tearing the computer apart" and voiding the warranty...but the items I mentioned should not be an issue, because you can easily put it back the way you found it , after testing.

...but, we all have different levels of comfort. Please do what you feel is best.

Please also understand that I, like others, am "just trying to help".