Compaq PC won't boot with new motherboard

[edong]

Guys, is there a workaround for this? My son's friend put an ECS MB to replace the Asus MB of his Compaq PC. The original processor was P4 while the new one is dual core. He install the original XP restore disc but it won't boot. I'm telling them it won't work that way. Is this something that can be "Repaired"? Thanks.

[Forum Troll]

He will probably need a retail copy of the XP CD, since Compaq restore discs are usually locked to the Compaq BIOS on the motherboard.

[Krispy Kritter]

It isn't a case if the motherboard not actually working, but that XP doesn't have any of the drivers needed for the new motherboard. Chances are, only the drivers for the original hardware are included on the "restore disc". With full version of XP, you can often just boot from the XP cd, and choose the "Repair" option in cases like this, and XP will load the needed drivers. In this case, they don't exist and XP won't boot without them, so you can't manually install them. You will need to buy another copy of XP to use the existing motherboard or switch back to the original motherboard to use the Compaq version of XP.

[edong]

Thanks for the quick responses. They are now thinking of either switching back to the original MB or buy a Vista upgrade. I wonder if an upgrade will work in this case.

But still, considering the cost of the new MB and OS (almost $300), I will rather buy the refurbished HP for $399 with Vista premium, with dedicated video and sound cards, lightscribe DVD writer and faster processor with full warranty. That will be two working PCs.

[Krispy Kritter]

An upgrade version will require a previous install or an original disc as "proof" of ownership before it will install. In the case above, they have neither.

Although they may get lucky and it will see the origal install on the HDD. I've never tried an upgrade with a non-working install.