I REALLY need you're technical advise, guys

[jim.t]

I have a Gateway P1-166MMX pc over three years old and it's in good shape and runs fairly well. Now, my dilemma: I got a really good price on a Plextor cd-writer (32x/12x/10x), but if I install it, it'll void my PC warranty; I'm fairly close to being in the market for another later model desktop again(p3-733/800), and what I thought I would do is stripdown the old pc and use it primarily for small stuff and cd burning, and use the newer pc for everything else. But, if I get into trouble with the Gateway pc, I'll have no support or help, and would have voided the warranty. Is there any way out of this, or do I just say the hell with it? Thanks folks.

[chipbgt]

with a pc that old, I would say forget the warranty (if its still active even) and mess around with the computer. It may be getting time for you to get a new one, and if so, this old one can serve you the same purpose my old one did...tinkering. Tear that sucker apart and learn as much from it as you can.

[grunt]

I could not have said it any better, chipbgt!

[SysOpt]

I agree, ditch the warranty. Three years is a lifetime for PC's.

[KAknight]

Don't gateway's warranty run out after 3 years anyway. Forget about it.

[Ceeffa]

So there you have it, you should open her up and install the burner!!!
Your P166 will thank you for it http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/wink.gif

[jjsole]

There's not a lot that can go wrong installing a cdrom. (knock on wood... http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif )

Besides, the computer has made it this far, hasn't it? The warranty must be expiring soon too, 3 years is pretty long.

[Gomer]

Will a 12 speed burner work on a P166? Is that enough muscle to keep that burner cookin?

[shadow]

I attempted a Plextor 4/8/32 install on my darn fine 166..er 188mmx and no go. Plextor suggests 200 min. on my burner. And i proved that by trying and failing. So it sits in my PII350 now, and works great BTW.

[Szech]

Screw the warranty! Make the computer a dedicated CD burner and MP3 player! I hate having to not use my computer for 40 minutes while a CD burns (though with that drive, your time will be less). I hate not being able to play my music while I play games. Just put a network card in both comps, and go nuts.

[This message has been edited by Szech (edited 08-10-2000).]

[Entragian ][]

Leave the older computer for use like as say.... an anchor? http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif just kidding. As for gateway support, I didn't know they offered support. I always called their "We can't help" line http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif
I would go against the others though and say to put the burner in your new system. Instead of buying a prebuilt model from gateway that costs more than its worth. You should look into building your own. ( hopefully thats what you were going to do anyways)
You can build a computer to your own specification and needs for a fraction of the price you would pay going through a store.
Many places offer great deals or listings like www.pricewatch.com (http://www.pricewatch.com)
If you needed guides or help, just post some messages here and we would all be willing to help via replies. Use the old system for your internet until the new ones up and running.
Thats my suggestion http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif

Entragian ][

[Nomadd]

I agree with my fellow computer bugs. A p166 is on the edge of being a computer fossil. It will make a great, great learning tool for you. So, install that burner and burn away!!

[Entragian ][]

As for listening to music while your playing games. Try using a Soundblaster live

[Warthog]

If you don't want to build your own, buy Dell, not Gateway. The Cow Company typically sells their comps about $300-400 more than the equivelent Dell system.

Warthog

[SDT]

I know that the minimum recommended cpu speed for my 8x burner is 200mhz. Your 12x will work on your p166 but probably not at 12x. You might get 8x or 6x out of it.
You will have to be careful when you are burning that you are not doing anything else but burning, DON'T try to multitask. Also you should turn off your antivirus software temproarily as it wants to look at every file that is opened. Shutdown other programs that are active and idling in your system tray. With a little care it should work fine.

BTW Plextor makes a good burner

[Hellmund]

I agree with the others about just ignoring the warranty but you could get a qualified technician to install it and it wouldn't void it.Shouldn't cost much at all.Check that your warranty if definitely still active first and also that it won't be voided if the tech isn't gateway approved.
Hellmund

[lynchmob]

All that warranty is for is hardware replacement.I put a cd burner in mine 6 months after I got it. Hell, my Gateway user manual shows you how to install a second cd,hdd or (!)floppy.Go for it.
lynch

[jim.t]

Thanks for all the feedback and info guys. It's all very helpful and informative. I should get the burner either today or Monday. Ther issue with the "warranty" thing is that they guaranty system parts for lifetime and provide tech support (i think). Anyway, if something happens I can always find a tech around here (I hope). I still have about 1.5g left on the harddrive and can get rid of alot of other junk. Hope it has enough oomph to get the job done. Again, thanks for all the good advice. Jim.