Computer woes

I've been having PC problems for quite some while now.

Here's what I've been mulling over.

PROBLEM
PC suffers from intermittent fault causing BSOD with varying error messages.This fault can occur during program use or even when the PC is completely idle.
Only way to resolve this is to flash the BIOS.This impacts every time I need to reboot the PC, for example after a Windows update release or (un)installing software or hardware.
This can cause a stressful "race" where I try to flash the BIOS via the Windows tool before the machine hangs up - which then causes another restart and another race.
It also means that I cannot turn the PC off at night, I have to put it in standby instead, which is a power drain.

CAUSE
UNKNOWN.
Probably relating to a base hardware component - for example, the memory sticks (replaced already, so unlikely), the video card, or the motherboard itself.
Could also be caused by hard drive failing... unlikely though... as a BIOS flash should not affect the HD.

POSSIBLE RESOLUTIONS
REPLACE WHOLE SYSTEM.
Obviously the most costly option. At least £500. Would need to budget for up to £750.
PRO:

• Easiest option


• Quickest option (can keep existing system until new one arrives)


• Under warranty

CON:

• Expensive!


• Leaves me with bits and bobs to dispose of


• Would have to buy a new copy of XP AND Vista (if I want dual boot) because the existing system is OEM

GET A LOCAL TECHIE TYPE TO BUILD ME A NEW SYSTEM
Less expensive (probably) than buying one from a shop, but still around the £500 mark.
PRO:
As above, plus

• Supporting local business

CON:
As above

TAKE MACHINE FOR REPAIR.
Price could be anywhere from £50 to £250 (if components are needed.)
PRO:

• Cheaper than a new system


• Supporting local business


• Can use recommendation from Sheff Forum

CON:

• Unspecified time away - losing money all the while


• Intermittent fault - no guarantee of finding it first time


• They will probably want to reformat the machine - drag

TRY TO REPAIR IT MYSELF
Cost - components only (if needed)
PRO:

• Cheapest option


• Will build knowledge and confidence

CON:

• Don't have any experience


• If I break something - could end up having to send it to someone else for repair - losing time


• OMG teh clumsies!


• No guarantee of fixing it

BUY A LAPTOP
Cost - around £350 + wireless adapter (£20)
PRO:

• Always have a fallback solution


• Use anywhere - take on holiday, etc


• Mum can check email and surf while I'm working/sleeping


• Could use laptop to run overnight jobs while I sleep (maybe, depends on power)


• Can run network and use as a virtual HD


• Can use as a DVD player in bed/car

CON:

• Expense

DO NOTHING
Cost - nothing financially - unless whole system fails
PRO:

• No cost - until whole system goes down


• No loss of time/productivity

CON:

• Does nothing for peace of mind and adds to stress


• Adding new hardware/big software is a major hassle


• Cannot partition drive and/or dual-boot


• Possible sudden total failure - money and time cost


• No portability
  

The main issue for me is that my PC isn't something I just use for checking emails or playing games. It's the main tool I use in my business. If I'm without it for more than a couple of days, I'm losing income. Sure I can use public internet or surf from work to check my mails and so on, but I can't do software testing or product development.

The spectre of my PC going completely tits up is starting to weigh more heavily on my mind. It weighs heavier each time I have to reboot the damn thing. Additionally, I have avoided making several customisations to it purely because of this problem.

I am currently leaning towards a two-pronged approach to this problem.

1. Buy a new laptop with a reasonable spec - enough for me to run, say, Poser, and preferably Photoshop as well. Although I could always run Gimp, which is free, as a graphics editor, on an interim basis. That would cost somewhere between £250-£350, and I can probably get a cashback deal to bring that price down.

2. When my new laptop is arrived and all set up, have a go at repairing the desktop myself. I have a couple of things which I can try. However, I don't want to start this process UNLESS I know for sure that I have a working alternative in case I break something fatally. If my attempts to fix the problem fail, then I will probably go along the lines of taking it to someone locally.

My resolve to do this has been increased recently due to re-reading Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance. My intention centres around the concepts of peace of mind, and the desirability of being one's own mechanic.

If I decide to do this now, I will cancel the camera fund for now and forego a month of ISA saving.

Image credit: winjohn