Hi guys -
Nick: I'd like to have a totally new computer - though I agree that just gutting the current box would be the least expensive. I think I'll need to make sure that there is plenty of expansion capabilities (PCI slots, etc.) with this as well. The current Compaq case is okay, but it's a little tight with stuff right now.
Neil: The WinXP that I own came with the Compaq and is built into the recovery disk (
). I have an Acer laptop that is running Vista 64 with no problems, and my first thought is that while Vista seems to be a problem in and of itself for some, the migration to Windows 7 seems to scream to bite the bullet for the extra RAM and utilize it now. My Acer also has 4GB of RAM, and I don't think I want any less than that. I can migrate a fairly new HD over to the new box, though it might be better just to pop for a new HD as well, since they are so cheap now.
Thanks for the advice ... keep it coming!