Okay, so long story short I made my mom's archaic desktop work. It still won't read is own sound-card so I can't watch videos or listen to music, but I can do some basic stuff and keep up a little better with the internet as long as nothing happens. This computer is far from reliable but it's all I've got for now.
It's still limited access. Thankfully mom doesn't really need to use it because she has her laptop (which is far better than this old thing...I should know, I helped her pick it out...) so it could be worse. Still it's in an inconvenient location and I don't like people being able to look over my shoulder even if I'm only typing a forum post. My own hangup I guess, it's just uncomfortable. Anyway, that's the status. I should look on Newegg to see if my laptop's HDD would be too terribly expensive...
Also greetings Ember and be welcome in the GESB. If you have any questions, don't be afraid to ask. The unofficial mods for the thread are myself, Myitt, Terenia, Kitsune, Shenmue, and Salem. A few of us were around when the first GESB opened at Kimm's Anichat ten years ago (or therabouts), and most of us have been in the thread here since it began a few years ago, so we should be able to answer your questions. Chad has also been here for quite awhile, so he should be able to help you with most questions as well. Again, welcome and have fun.
~Luke