[Tyler5690]

Yesterday, I had a friend upgrade my motherboard and processor. Today when I turned it on, Windows would not boot anymore. What caused this?

Side Note:
Several months ago, I bought and installed a new hard drive. It was a Western Digital 120 GB drive, but because of my BIOS, it only registered at 30. Could this be a factor?

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Hi Tyler5690...

This has probably happened because of the hardware change. Has it booted at all since the motherboard and CPU were installed. Can you describe what happens when you try to boot the machine?

wannabe1

[wannabe1]

Hi Tyler5690...

This has probably happened because of the hardware change. Has it booted at all since the motherboard and CPU were installed. Can you describe what happens when you try to boot the machine?

wannabe1

[Tyler5690]

Yes, it worked perfectly until the upgrade. Now, after trying to boot from floppy, it just sits at a black screen with a blinking white cursor in the top left corner.

[wannabe1]

Do you hear any beeps when the machine starts?

[Tyler5690]

No beeps.

[wannabe1]

Sounds like either the processor is not seated properly or is bad...or is overheating. Do the fans and drives spin up?

[Tyler5690]

Yes, everything works. I know this because I am currently running Ubuntu Live on it.

[wannabe1]

Ok...then it is the hardware change...Windows doesn't recognize the new hardware. An in-place upgrade should get you up and running.

Try this REPAIR to your installation of XP. This procedure will not damage or change your current files or settings...it will just repair or replace damaged system files. You will be asked for your Installation CD and may be asked for your product key. Follow the instructions carefully...print them out if you can. Note: This option is not always available on OEM Recovery Cd's

Once this repair has completed, you will have to download all Windows Updates again.

wannabe1

[Tyler5690]

Great, I had actually thought about that, but I wanted to double check with those more knowledgable than I. Thanks! I'll post with the results.

[wannabe1]

You're welcome!

[Tyler5690]

Things seemed to be going great until Setup restarted, now I'm back where I started. Any other thoughts, or do I have to start over fresh with Windows?

[wannabe1]

Have a look at this Microsoft Article.