patm300e
In your case you could even DL something like a free Linux distribution like Ubuntu.
Installed on a new hard drive, this would test out the system and see if it still blue screens for free.  You would not be able to install Sonar on it, but at least you would see if you have a stable system for free.
 

Good to know, I got 7-10 more dry days hard labor (splitting and hauling 6 cords of wood) on the property and then I will have a lot of time to carry forth with this issue. So much kind help!

If you want to learn new things, the boot utility CD's I linked to previously and/or a Linux disk as Pat suggested could be a great way to test, and also very useful if you want to get back into building your own system.  Good for the toolbox!
 
But to keep it simple for now and work with an OS you are familiar with, you would probably be up and running faster using either Win 7 or Win 10.  That would test also test your hardware with Windows drivers, which would be a more similar setup to you current configuration.  You could even test with your audio hardware if desired.
 
And don't be shy about trying the Win 10 download...it's only temporary for testing...and you can use it without activating it, or upgrading your Win 7 license. 
 
Info here >> https://www.windowscentra...ed-activate-windows-10
 
And here >> https://www.howtogeek.com/244678/you-dont-need-a-product-key-to-install-and-use-windows-10/

abacab
If you want to learn new things, the boot utility CD's I linked to previously and/or a Linux disk as Pat suggested could be a great way to test, and also very useful if you want to get back into building your own system.  Good for the toolbox!
 
But to keep it simple for now and work with an OS you are familiar with, you would probably be up and running faster using either Win 7 or Win 10.  That would test also test your hardware with Windows drivers, which would be a more similar setup to you current configuration.  You could even test with your audio hardware if desired.
 
And don't be shy about trying the Win 10 download...it's only temporary for testing...and you can use it without activating it, or upgrading your Win 7 license. 
 
Info here >> https://www.windowscentra...ed-activate-windows-10
 
And here >> https://www.howtogeek.com/244678/you-dont-need-a-product-key-to-install-and-use-windows-10/

MUCH Appreciated!

I was curious if it was the CMOS battery. Then after replacing that I would reset the BIOS or check that the bios is set to the correct boot device (Drive) so that the OS is found.
 
You can in fact upgrade to Windows 10 for free (from 7 or 8.1) if you think you might try using assistive technologies one day. I did. (I tried a few assistive technologies for a webpage I made.) 

GjB
I was curious if it was the CMOS battery. Then after replacing that I would reset the BIOS or check that the bios is set to the correct boot device (Drive) so that the OS is found.
 
You can in fact upgrade to Windows 10 for free (from 7 or 8.1) if you think you might try using assistive technologies one day. I did. (I tried a few assistive technologies for a webpage I made.) 

Thanks for the info, I may indeed try that as I work my way through the strategies listed above. I have a rain dfaste tomorrow with the whole day to work on this. First off, I open it up and check it out. If that fails, try, try again, win 10 update may be a good way to go at some point!
 
Thanks!

I'm having a bit of a break (broke my toe) before getting back to work on Wednesday, so I am able to continue trouble shooting, etc.
 
I have just a quick question, all of my pcs have been HPs. If that is the route I decide to go (I am also putting a system together at pcpartpicker), what are other OK pcs to look for besides HP? Dell?
 
Thanks! 

For a DAW you are better off with a custom build, or a home build.  You can avoid the cheap components that all OEM's use today.  Their profit margin is slim these days with the shrinking sales of computers, so they have to make it up somewhere.  Plus the shovelware they all load on takes a while to remove.  I'd say there is little to distinguish between retail brand names anymore. 
 
If I was going the retail route I would probably take my chances with an enterprise class PC from Dell such as Dell Precision Workstation.  http://www.dell.com/en-us/work/shop/desktop-and-all-in-one-pcs/sc/desktops-n-workstations
 
But at those prices, you might want to consider a custom Studio Cat DAW from Jim Roseberry, a fellow Cake forum member.  His clients are happy, and he provides excellent support.  http://www.studiocat.com/opencart2/

abacab
For a DAW you are better off with a custom build, or a home build.  You can avoid the cheap components that all OEM's use today.  Their profit margin is slim these days with the shrinking sales of computers, so they have to make it up somewhere.  Plus the shovelware they all load on takes a while to remove.  I'd say there is little to distinguish between retail brand names anymore. 
 
If I was going the retail route I would probably take my chances with an enterprise class PC from Dell such as Dell Precision Workstation.  http://www.dell.com/en-us/work/shop/desktop-and-all-in-one-pcs/sc/desktops-n-workstations
 
But at those prices, you might want to consider a custom Studio Cat DAW from Jim Roseberry, a fellow Cake forum member.  His clients are happy, and he provides excellent support.  http://www.studiocat.com/opencart2/

All right, this gives me something to compare with my 1st round custom build (still working on it, fun site!), much thanks!
 
I would love to go with a Jim Rosenberry as I have long read his posts, but I'm just getting into this now, trying to see what I can do as quickly as I can, I really miss recording!

robbyk
 
I would love to go with a Jim Rosenberry as I have long read his posts, but I'm just getting into this now, trying to see what I can do as quickly as I can, I really miss recording!

But really, your best bet now is to just get your old rig working again.  We're all here to help!
 
Besides it's fun, and cheaper! 

abacab

robbyk
 
I would love to go with a Jim Rosenberry as I have long read his posts, but I'm just getting into this now, trying to see what I can do as quickly as I can, I really miss recording!

But really, your best bet now is to just get your old rig working again.  We're all here to help!
 
Besides it's fun, and cheaper! 

 
Fun and cheaper and faster, plus I miss my good buddy...
 
I opened it up and all looks very good, very clean, hardly any dust, connections all solid. I then ran chkdsk and it didn't really do anything but I spawned a new error on attempted startup, 0X0000009F which google search says is due to a corrupted or outdated driver.
 
Next I will try the resplendence.com/whocrashed to see if I can figure out which driver.