I am having a problem with the power on one of my computers. It is a Pentium II 266mhz on a Aopen AX6B motherboard (Intel 440BX) with 64MB RAM and 6.4GB hard drive running Windows 98SE. Before Christmas it was playing up, switching off by itself and then switching on at odd hours (no pattern). Even when shutdown correctly, it was prone to turning itself back on. This PC was set up on a home network but since the problems started I haven’t been able to get Internet Sharing to work at all. Furthermore, the data transfer between this PC and another is dreadfully slow (it takes up to 12hrs to copy 70MB!). Some advice I have been given about the power problem is, firstly, it is probably a sensor on the motherboard. In this case it is probably more economical to buy new motherboard as it will cost up to a $100 to have it checked it out and that money could be used to buy a new motherboard. Secondly, it may be the power switch on the case. To test this theory, I was instructed to disconnect the power switch from the motherboard and then short the two jumpers to see what happens. Thirdly, it may be the power unit. Buy a new one ($30 - $40) and see if that fixes the problem. Finally, try reinstalling Windows 98SE. Do you have any advice?

With the exception of reinstalling Windows 98, I would strongly advise against undertaking any of the suggestions you have been offered to rectify the problem with your computer. Any work on a computer or, for that matter, any appliance with a power problem requires technical expertise and could prove dangerous to both human and machine in the hands of a non-expert. In practical terms, when you add up the cost of buying and/or even trying to find a new motherboard which would support your processor chip to test the theories above, you might as well take the computer to someone for a proper diagnosis. Also, be aware that some CPUs may not be able to be removed from their seating on the motherboard. This means you may even have to buy a new CPU. The dollars start to add up! My advice is to take the computer to a technician who can give you a proper diagnosis and quote on how much it would cost to fix the problem. With regard to your problem with your home network, to offer any helpful advice I will need more information such as your network configuration (eg. NetBEUI, TCP/IP, etc…) and exactly why you cannot get Internet Sharing to work.