new motherboard/windows boot problems....

[aaron]

512 RAM/2.4 CELERON/XP HOME
Hi, i recently had to install a new motherboard on my 'emachines 190'everything is fine with the hardware but it will not now load windows xp. I get the screen:
APOLOGIES BUT WINDOWS HAS NOT LOADED PROPERLY, THIS MAY BE DUE TO A HARDWARE CHANGE, YOU CAN EITHER, START WINDOWS NORMALLY, OR SAFE MODE ETC ETC.
Occasionally it tells me its missing the following \WINDOWS\system32\config\SYSTEM I've attempted to reinstall windows but to no avail.
Surely i don't have to buy a new o/s just because of a hardware failure? Is this not working because my 'restore disk' knows it's not the original pc motherboard?
Incidently, my sisters pc, has exactly the same problem, yet there have been no hardware changes.. PLEASE PLEASE HELP... Thank you

P.S. Its been asked - 'have i installed 'mobo' drivers'...The answer is; the new motherboard came with a disk, but when inserted, it only gives me ONE option - to make a floppy disk for a SATA HD. (MY HD is a standard IDE type) it does not give me the option to install any drivers.
And so appears useless untill i have access to the O/S.
As i say, new motherboard and all hardware are connected correctly and the BIOS fully accessible.. I would greatly appreciate any help. Thank you

[ROF]

As with all core systems replacements you must(with very few exceptions) re-install windows for your hardware. Insert your windows CD and then re-boot your system. When the option to "Hit any key to Boot from CD . . ." Appears hit any key and re-install your windows OS. When it says that there is already a windows version on this partition choose to install the OS anyways and to conserve space (since you won't be needing it anymore) install this windows in the same folder as your previous one clicking YES that you understand this will destroy your old windows version.

Edit: Oops . . . I see now you have an eMachine. That means unless you had Windows XP prior to this you were not supplied with a Windows XP CD or a partition of your hard drive that contains a true version of this OS. Fortunately you can now find XP for a decent price.

[smearbrick1]

Did you try booting into the restore program. I imagine there is probably a prompt for it on the BIOS screen. Unless you had a recovery boot disc. Either way, you are definately going to have to reinstall Windows.

If the motherboard is not an OEM replacement for your Emachine... you are just about screwed and will have to purchase a new OS disc as well as find all the drivers for your hardware.

[ROF]

You shouldn't need any drivers for your 190's hardware. Windows XP should have most if not all the drivers you will need. If there are any you are missing just PM me.

If you haven't already, after you acquire/purchase your OS and you install it there should be a small 8 GB partition on your hard drive that contains your included software (MS Money, M/S Works, etc.). You will need to run the main executable in the root directory which will allow you to make backups of this software. After you make these backups you can use those discs to install this software.

[sbtuttle]

Microsoft says that you need to choose the repair option when you change out a motherboard follow this link from "The Elder Geek" it will walk you through the process and will not wipe out your data

http://www.theeldergeek.com/replace_motherboard.htm

Edit, nope - this will only work if you have the windows install cd, sorry

[ROF]

@ sbtuttle

More than likely it doesn't apply. Read Paragraph 2.

[sbtuttle]

aaron, your saying that your sister's computer is giving the exact same error message?

[jimmalenko]

Is this not working because my 'restore disk' knows it's not the original pc motherboard?

Most likely IMHO. Restore discs are customised to the hardware supplied with them, so if you change the hardware, then you won't be able to use the restore disc. You need a "full" version of Windows XP, as well as drivers for all your components.

[aaron]

aaron, your saying that your sister's computer is giving the exact same error message?

Yeah, just happened for no apparent reason.. no hardware changes!!
Thanks for the replies - sounds like i,m screwed by microsoft - good old Bill!

[jimmalenko]

aaron, your saying that your sister's computer is giving the exact same error message?

Yeah, just happened for no apparent reason.. no hardware changes!!
Thanks for the replies - sounds like i,m screwed by microsoft - good old Bill!

Well .... either that or screwed by your hardware vendor. It might be the hardware that has failed, you know

[aaron]

[Well .... either that or screwed by your hardware vendor. It might be the hardware that has failed, you know

No, it was Bill!! You think you own a copy of xp - on a restore disk? - Think again!! Thanks again for the replies to this thread - appreciated.
In the end i managed to beg a copy of windows ME that has got me up and running again Strange how much we miss these dumb machines!!
Will be downloading a copy of Linux - just in case!!

[jimmalenko]

[Well .... either that or screwed by your hardware vendor. It might be the hardware that has failed, you know

No, it was Bill!! You think you own a copy of xp - on a restore disk? - Think again!!

No, I don't. I agree - you don't own a copy of XP until you have a full install disc. A restore disc is a cheap way for your hardware vendor, but it's hardly anything to do with Microsoft. So I say once again, it's not Microsoft, but your hardware vendor that screwed you.

... and stay away ... FAR away ..... from WinME.