[rshaffer61]

OK since you have copied the data to a external drive I would advise to go ahead and wipe the drive since it appears the boot partition is doinked.
Besides a fresh install will bring everything back faster and then no problems.
Purchase of a new system is no problem if that is what you want but not worth it if you are only doing it to keep from formatting and reinstalling everything.

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The reason for the new system is that the dead PC is roughly 4 years old and getting to the point where gaming on it isn't as good as I'd like. My other option I was contemplating is purchasing Win 7 and keeping the PC just with a new OS. Either way, I thank you RShaffer61 for all the help in troubleshooting.

[Night_Zero]

The reason for the new system is that the dead PC is roughly 4 years old and getting to the point where gaming on it isn't as good as I'd like. My other option I was contemplating is purchasing Win 7 and keeping the PC just with a new OS. Either way, I thank you RShaffer61 for all the help in troubleshooting.

[rshaffer61]

My other option I was contemplating is purchasing Win 7 and keeping the PC just with a new OS

Before going this route I would suggest making sure there will be no compatibility issues with your system and Win 7. A good way to find out is Win 7 Update Advisor.
This will Tell you of any potential issues with either your hardware or software. It will also tell you about drivers available for your system for Win 7

[Night_Zero]

My other option I was contemplating is purchasing Win 7 and keeping the PC just with a new OS

Before going this route I would suggest making sure there will be no compatibility issues with your system and Win 7. A good way to find out is Win 7 Update Advisor.
This will Tell you of any potential issues with either your hardware or software. It will also tell you about drivers available for your system for Win 7

I currently do not have a working OS so I can't test this.

[rshaffer61]

If you can purechase a XP Pro cd or one that has never been registered\installed using the key that comes with it then you can use it to format the system and install with.
Note: If you try to use a key that is already been used and\or registered you will not be able to activate your windows.