Need BIG HELP with my DAW fella's !!

Firstly - this is a good advertisment for a proper backup procedure to ensure you have a second, up to date copy of your data when disaster strikes. When you get this mess sorted out I recomend Arconis to. 1) make an Image of your system disk before every new software installation/update and 2) back up you data regularly.

Of course that's not helping you now. Its unclear what is actually failing here. Hopefully its not the hard drive, it sounds like some other sort of hardware (motherboard ???) problem so I suggest removing the hard drive and connecting it to another computer and try recovering the files. A local computer store/expert could probably do this for you. With your critical data safely stored on an an external hard drive you will then be able to try to fix the problem with the computer.

I do a lot of support on the Dell users forum. 

If the keyboard is operational at power on, press F12 and if the 4600 (I don't remember) has the Dell diagnostic partition on the hard drive run a complete hardware diagnostic.  Also if the keyboard works at power on (and doesn't in Windows), reset the CMOS Memory (BIOS) and see if that helps with the keyboard problem.  With the PC powered off, open the case and remove the CR2032 CMOS Backup battery for at least 10 minutes.  Replace the battery, observing battery polarity, and power on. 

Reseating the memory (with the PC powered off) is another thing to try and as mentioned one memory module at a time.  XP will run with 256 MB, at least to see what is happening, although it will be limited.

The Op has started 2 or 3 threads posting about this issue. I posted a reply in the following thread: http://forum.cakewalk.com/tm.aspx?m=2472305

The Op has started 2 or 3 threads posting about this issue. I posted a reply in the following thread:

 
Sorry dude.
My apology can be read in full using the following link ; )
http://forum.cakewalk.com/tm.aspx?m=2472305
 
BTW what is an Op?
 

Muliple posting the same problem on a forum usually winds up with confusion because of the varying responses.  Best to only post one time.

 
Understood. It wont happen again. :  )

Thanks to every one jumping in and wanting to help.
Very cool !!
 
Fortunately all customers work have either been tracked to tape or if tracking with Sonar backed up to their memory sticks.
 
Unfortunately Their is a bunch of stuff (without going into great detail) that I use and relie on that was not backed up. 
I will definably look into Arconis for future use Glyn.
 
I was able to boot the diagnostic partition. But get this. Every single test was passed. I even ran the tests that are not relevant to the situation.
In the end I said to hell with it.
 
I do have a chunk of money tucked away. And this might be the lords way of getting me into the 21st century.
I have an appointment at 1:00pm tomorrow. for data retrieval. I think thats what the kid called it anyway.
He is also going to build my new one. Parts plus sixty($60) bones. Cant beat that!
 
So this is were I ask for opinions on the build. Can we just stay in this thread and turn the topic?
Or do I start a new one and where do I start it?
Seriously.
Much has changed on the Cake boards since ten years ago.
 
 
Once again guys, thanks a bunch for the generosity of your time and help.
 
MP3ISTHEDEVIL  
  
  
  
 

My recommendation for upgrading to 2 or 4GB of RAM was only based on the observation that your current Dell 4600 only had 1GB of RAM (2 x 512MB), and that you were using a 32-bit operating system (which can't address more than 4GB total).

However, it appears you are opting for a new computer as a dedicated DAW. That would be even better advice, which is not to spend a dime on the old 4600, save it for your new system. With regards to RAM on a new system, I would advise anyone today to use Windows 7 64-bit. The 64-bit operating system will allow you use more than 4GB of RAM, which can be quite beneficial to DAW users, especially if you want to use virtual instruments. Having said that, and the fact that RAM is rather inexpensive these days, I would advise at least 8GB (even 16GB or more) depending on your needs and budget.

With regards to number of hard drives for a DAW, I generally advise at least 3, and often 4 or more. Drive 1: Operating System / Applications, Drive 2: Dedicated to recording and playback of audio tracks, Drive 3: VSTi Sample Libraries, Drive 4: Backups.

You also mentioned the desire for zero latency. That's the holy grail of computer based recording. True zero latency is theoretically impossible, even for hardware/analog recording systems. However, it is quite possible (especially in the last couple of years or so) to get the Round Trip Latency (RTL) low enough to where you will not notice it at all.

It is critically important to understand when discussing audio latency that you reference to true Round Trip Latency. RTL takes in account not only a DAW's input latency, but also the output latency, and the all important processing that takes place in between. In other words, RTL is the amount of delay (latency) between the time you produce live audio (from a microphone or instrument) into your DAW and that audio passes through your interface, DAW application (Sonar), back through your audio interface, and finally to your monitor speakers or headphones.

The lowest possible audio latency is achieved through a combination of elements, all working together in stable form. (1) A DAW-specific designed/built computer (2) A well-tuned operating system (3) A properly setup DAW application and workflow (4) High quality audio interface with outstanding quality audio drivers.

You'll find numerous threads on this forum with advice on how to achieve the above -- and even more opinions. My VERY BEST advice to you is to at least consult with someone who designs DAW systems for a living. I think the best in the business is www.StudioCat.com, owned and operated by Jim Roseberry, a frequent contributor of highly experienced advice throughout this forum.

Interesting thread, and esp reply 12 from Houndawg. Any updates anyone??