Hi all.
Very many thanks. I have formatted the hard drive and am now beginning the big hunt for device drivers
The main problem appeared to be that the Microsoft boot disk (originally supplied when I bought a Win 98 computer ages ago - since upgraded to XP though) was lacking a format facility.
The download version suggested by rotorcraig appears to have done the trick - but info from all was referred to throughout!
I have currently located an updated version of DirectX and a driver for the monitor. However, on the Device Manager screen I have the old yellow question marks against the following:
PCI Communnication Device, PCI Ethernet Controller and Multimedia Audio Device. I believe that a GeForce graphics card was fitted, so will look at graphics drivers for that.
Incidently, I have foound out that there was no sound card fitted (so will dig one out of the loft from an old box).
I cannot thank you enough, as I know how much this computer means to my mate. I should be able to hand it over in a few days.
I salute you all!
Brian