I'm looking to find out the componants of an old machine to upgrade. Have looked at emachines site but was no help. I can't get it from the machine itself as its not working properly and won’t give info.

Answer:
Okay, this is a vague question, but here goes:

1. If you're looking to find out what's currently IN your computer, I'd advocate MyDrivers by Qwerks (http://www.qwerks.com/product/6466.html ). This will scan your system and tell you everything you've currently got installed, what the driver associated with it is, and in many cases where to download the update. It's free to use for everything except restoring backup drivers, so if you just want a scan an an answer, this is a great tool.

2. If you're looking to find out what hardware you CAN put in your box, that's a motherboard issue (generally, notwithstanding hardware conflicts). Use the tool from #1, find out what kind of motherboard you've got, and google it. Likewise, you can typically type a model number (should be printed on the MB itself) in to Google and get the PDF manual.

3. If you just want a list of personal components and how they interrelate, this is a good, jargon-free tutorial (http://www.associatedcontent.com/article…

4. If you're looking for components, http://newegg.com, http://frys.com (formerly outpost), and, if you're looking for a specific component, use http://Froogle.com. eBay is also a good place to buy hardware, just read the description carefully.

5. For just a general overview, check the wiki baby! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Personal_co…

6. Finally, if you've got a dead box (won't turn on) and you're looking for a component listing, typically searching on it's make and model will give you its default configuration. If you can't find it, post the model here (whoever made it, and any numbers/letters on the casing, and the year if you know it; ex: 2002 eMachines 2200L). I'll check back in a few hours and track it down for you.

Good luck, and remember: there's typically only ONE PLACE in a computer a given piece will fit. If you have to force something, you're DOING IT WRONG.

EDIT ========================================…

eMachines Manual Archives:

http://www.elhvb.com/mboards/OEM/eMachin…

http://www.emachines.com/support/product…

eMachine Motherboard Manuals:

http://www.intel.com/support/motherboard…

eMachines Wiring Diagrams:

http://e4allupgraders.info/dir3/phfilesz… (I found this link; I've not tried it. It's a .ZIP, so virus check it before executing)

http://support.gateway.com/s/Checklists/…

Answer:
Is it an AMD or Intel system?

You’ll have to find out the type of motherboard, ie; Socket 939, 754 or AM2 if AMD and Socket 775 or 486 if Intel.

These are all 64 bit systems, 32 bit systems are Socket A and Slot 1.

The components are a CPU and cooling fan, memory, motherboard, hard drive, CD/DVD optical drive and a case to put them all in.

I would not really bother with upgrading an old machine to a superior spec, it can cost just as much as building a new one. If you just want to put more memory and a more massive hard drive in that will be OK, but if you change the CPU and DVD drive as well you will be better off financially and technically in building a new one as the components will be cheaper. Socket A CPU's for instance go for the price of a good dual core chip and the memory for an old machine is twice the price of comparable modern memory.

Answer:
Since you’re looking to upgrade, take the side off the old machine and the components (PCI, AGP/PCIE cards) should be marked with manufacturer and model numbers. Hard drives should give a manufacturer (and model number) which, if you go to their site will tell you all about the item.

RAM can be a tiny trickier but,hopefully, it'll have a sticker on telling you what it is!

HTH

Answer:
At your computers website
Answer:
Try pcworlds website thats where I got mine from.
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http://www.aria.co.uk/
Answer:
tigerdirect.com is my favorite
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newegg.com
Answer:
Try Frys.com