You probably spent more fixing a old computer then you could have purchased something newer off craigslist.

With old computers the problems tend to be with dust and connectors. Things heat up and expand, then cool off and contract, do this a few hundred times and things get loose.

It also doesn't make sense if your hard drive failed, how they could get stuff onto a thumb drive or whatever.

I'm also sorry to hear of your dependence on your gadgets. I would seek professional help to rid yourself of those addiction before you turn borg.

N.W.