jones,
It's sentimental, we get it. What we are trying to explain to you is that something that old is most likely either A: too cost prohibitive to repair due to parts availability, or B: not able to be repaired due to parts simply not in existence anymore. This isn't a classic car, it's a 13 year old Business-level laptop. Even with as many parts replaced as possible, it's still a 13 year old Business-level laptop... Wanting to fix things is fine - everyone needs a hobby. But when that hobby turns into simply throwing money at something, that's when a lot of folks start to question the decision making process.
What exactly are you trying to accomplish by actually getting it running again? Obtain files? Just to say you've done it? If it's the photos/whatnot on the Drive, just pull it and transfer. If just to do it, then that's your decision, but expect a lot of frustration (and probably money) in the process. $15k into restoring a classic car often yields a car worth considerably more than $15k. $250 into old tech worth $5 at a recycling place still yields old tech worth $5 at a recycling place. Take the money and instead use it on a newer used laptop from Ebay; you'd be amazed at what deals you can find. You comment on burning through money just for fun above. What you're doing is pretty much the epitome of that at this point. Hmph...irony.
I think Travis knows what sentimental means. I'd wager, however, that someone needs to explain to you about catching more flies with honey than you do with vinegar. Relax, and watch the tone, yeah?
