Determining how and what is damaged can be an interesting
lesson in how damage occurs. For example, if it was
lightning, then damaged component have both an incoming and
outgoing electrical path for that lightning. Obviously, the
modem is a classic example: incoming on AC electric. Outgoing
on phone line. This damages modem. But usually, a modem need
only have something in its DAA or off hook relay circuit
replaced (ie a PNP transistor) and is perfectly good again.

What else was connected to computer at time of strike? For
example, could printer or network card also have been good
outgoing paths? IOW you must also know how each was connected
as part of the building's wiring. Analysis of how transient
transversed the computer must be from a building perspective.

Devices that should not be damaged are memory and CPU. Each
have an incoming but no outgoing path.

By using known information, then determine which parts (bad
and still working) may have conducted the transient. Those
would be the damaged and 'may fail in future' parts.

The analysis can be challenging which is why so many just
say, "Trash it". Continued repair depends on whether you want
to save money or you want to really learn something.

rello wrote:
got a newish dell dimension 4500 in that was knocked out by a
lightning strike......i got the job of disposing of the box

the mobo is definitely dead but all the majors, hd, both cd drives,
floppy ram and video board are ok...havent tested the modem and
s/card as yet but s/card prolly ok......modem i expect to be
fried .....

i could sell it at a very low price [with a statement as to its
origin], use it as a testing station or maybe hire it out as a
fill in for people who cant do without a computer........

what would opinion be on putting it back into service for the
above applications.....
thanks for any and all replies