OEM XP Home won't work after new mb!

[nicholson.jr]

My Emachines mb went out so I bought an exact replacement. Now my
computer will not boot up. I've done multiple restores, still the same
error. My Dad has the same exact computer I've taken my hd and swapped
it out with his computer and it works fine. Conclusion, problem is the
OEM XP software doesn't like my new mb even though it is technically
the same mb. How can I get this to work. I've been told I have to buy
a new copy of Windows, but how can this be? I already own a copy of
Windows, it came with my computer. I have only replaced a failed part.
Does this happen when people upgrade too? Your not allowed to work on
your own computer anymore?? I'm very frustrated with this, it's just
wrong that every time a part fails on your computer it means Microsoft
gets another $100. I cannot believe this is true, but all indications
so far are starting to convince me. Please help!!

 

[Carey Frisch [MVP]]

Did you purchase your replacement motherboard from eMachine?
If not, then the motherboard does not have the necessary eMachine
BIOS that is required for the eMachine restore CD to work as designed.

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows - Shell/User

Enjoy all the benefits of genuine Microsoft software:
http://www.microsoft.com/genuine/default.mspx

---------------------------------------------------------------------------­---------------------------------

:

| My Emachines mb went out so I bought an exact replacement. Now my
| computer will not boot up. I've done multiple restores, still the same
| error. My Dad has the same exact computer I've taken my hd and swapped
| it out with his computer and it works fine. Conclusion, problem is the
| OEM XP software doesn't like my new mb even though it is technically
| the same mb. How can I get this to work. I've been told I have to buy
| a new copy of Windows, but how can this be? I already own a copy of
| Windows, it came with my computer. I have only replaced a failed part.
| Does this happen when people upgrade too? Your not allowed to work on
| your own computer anymore?? I'm very frustrated with this, it's just
| wrong that every time a part fails on your computer it means Microsoft
| gets another $100. I cannot believe this is true, but all indications
| so far are starting to convince me. Please help!!
|

 

[Gary]

Are you using the restore disk? If so that is probably it.
You need to do a scratch load of the system

 

[cuba]

This is why people can get pissed off at Microsofts' OEM/BIOS tagging
(and eMachines). (And why people get annoyed at people who defend
Microsoft.)

"Will not boot up" is extremely vague. Are there error messages? Beeps?
Did you try safe mode? Do you restore by eMachine's restore CD or a
Windows CD?

Know anyone you can borrow an XP CD from?

 

[DL]

This has very little to do with MS.
You purchased a sys at a price that included an Emachines version of win
that was locked to the sys hardware
If you had paid more you could have got a full version of win that you could
have then installed on any sys you liked
But then the suppliers rarely explain this to the buyers

 

[R. McCarty]

"Will not Boot Up" - isn't descriptive enough to advise on what to
check. If you apply power does the CPU Fan spin ? do you see
any Power On Self Test (Post) screen. Does Windows XP begin
to start with it's flag screen ? or do you get a BSOD.
Whenever you change a motherboard before mounting in the case
always lay it (MB) on the Anti-Static bag it shipped in and connect
the power connector(s) from the PS. Connect only the keyboard &
Video.
Use a Phillips screwdriver to momentarily short the two front panel
staking pins marked "Pwr" on the motherboard. That should allow
you to test for POST and to enter BIOS setup and check settings.
Once you verify the board will power on - Then install it into the case.

 

[Ghostrider]

This is why people can get pissed off at Microsofts' OEM/BIOS tagging
(and eMachines). (And why people get annoyed at people who defend
Microsoft.)

Let's be accurate about this. What an OEM does is whatever the
OEM wants...not Microsoft. If the OEM-builder's agreements allow
it to ship a different means of restoring the operating system
to the hard drive, then this requirement has been achieved. If
the end-user does not know how to recover this file or make an
image of the system, even with warnings and advice, then it is
the user's problem. And guess who would be the first to complain
if the OEM's system costs $10 more since it includes an XP cdrom?

<<snipped>>

 

[nicholson.jr]

Ok I thought when I explained that everything worked fine in my dad's
sytem people would get that it is in fact a problem between the mb and
the Emachines BIOS. To answer the questions, on bootup I get a

SAFEMODE
SAFE MODE WITH NETWORKING
SAFE MODE WITH COMMAND PROMPT

LAST CONFIGURATION THAT WORKED

START WINDOWS NORMALLY

The only thing that doesn't get me back to where I started is last
config that worked which gives me the error

\WINDOWS\Sytem32\config\WINDOWS

Emachines writes

Thank you for your e-mail. To further assist you on the issue with
your
replacement motherboard that displays an Intel screen instead of
eMachines screen, please be informed that your System Restore CD should
work with your replacement motherboard. Please be informed that Intel
screen appears instead of eMachines because Intel had manufactured
first
batch of motherboards only for eMachines that is why eMachines logo
appears on your screen before. What you have got as a replacement is
the same motherboard for your system, however, it is named after Intel
and not eMachines.

then they go on to tell me later after 3 restores

Thank you for your e-mail. I believed the hard drive is not failing.
The reason for this error is that the restore CD is customized and
proprietary with the eMachines original motherboard. I suggest to
purchase a retail version of the Operating System.

So telling me I was stupid for buying a Emachines or any other computer
at a big box store isn't helpful. I would say 90% of the people who
buy computers get them at big box stores and expect everything that
comes with the computer is theirs to use fairly.

THIS IS A MICROSOFT PROBLEM. It has to do with people trying to pirate
their OS and now 90% of their customers are caught in the middle, and
of course the little guy gets screwed and the pirates keep not paying.
This is the same as buying a new car changing out bad brakes at Midas
instead of the Dealer and now my car won't start. This is exactly what
is happening.

Now back to my original problem, if I "obtain" a retail version of
Windows XP home and get my sytem running can I in fact use my serial
#'s to register and update my computer legally or do I have to actually
shell out some more money to Microsoft and buy a full retail version
and then use the new serial #'s??

 

[nicholson.jr]

I will write Emachines again and see if they are more helpful.

 

[Rick Rogers]

Hi,

The copy you own died with the motherboard, the part that is essentially the
heart of the system. If you obtained a replacement motherboard from
eMachines, then it should work. If not, the motherboard - even the exact
same model - will be missing the necessary tattoo for the OEM version of
WindowsXP to authenticate and install on.

OEM's purchase and sell these licenses with their proprietary systems
considerably cheaper than a retail version. One of the reasons for this
price reduction is the inability to transfer it to a new system.

--
Best of Luck,

Rick Rogers, aka "Nutcase" - Microsoft MVP

Windows help - www.rickrogers.org

 

[Carey Frisch [MVP]]

My suggestion is to purchase a new generic OEM version of Windows XP
Home Edition, then perform a "repair install".

Example:

Microsoft Windows XP Home With SP2 - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16837102059

How to Perform a Repair Install of Windows XP
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm


--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows - Shell/User

Enjoy all the benefits of genuine Microsoft software:
http://www.microsoft.com/genuine/default.mspx

---------------------------------------------------------------------------­---------------------------------

"nicholson.jr"wrote:

| Ok I thought when I explained that everything worked fine in my dad's
| sytem people would get that it is in fact a problem between the mb and
| the Emachines BIOS. To answer the questions, on bootup I get a
|
| SAFEMODE
| SAFE MODE WITH NETWORKING
| SAFE MODE WITH COMMAND PROMPT
|
| LAST CONFIGURATION THAT WORKED
|
| START WINDOWS NORMALLY
|
| The only thing that doesn't get me back to where I started is last
| config that worked which gives me the error
|
| \WINDOWS\Sytem32\config\WINDOWS
|
| Emachines writes
|
| Thank you for your e-mail. To further assist you on the issue with
| your
| replacement motherboard that displays an Intel screen instead of
| eMachines screen, please be informed that your System Restore CD should
| work with your replacement motherboard. Please be informed that Intel
| screen appears instead of eMachines because Intel had manufactured
| first
| batch of motherboards only for eMachines that is why eMachines logo
| appears on your screen before. What you have got as a replacement is
| the same motherboard for your system, however, it is named after Intel
| and not eMachines.
|
| then they go on to tell me later after 3 restores
|
| Thank you for your e-mail. I believed the hard drive is not failing.
| The reason for this error is that the restore CD is customized and
| proprietary with the eMachines original motherboard. I suggest to
| purchase a retail version of the Operating System.
|
| So telling me I was stupid for buying a Emachines or any other computer
| at a big box store isn't helpful. I would say 90% of the people who
| buy computers get them at big box stores and expect everything that
| comes with the computer is theirs to use fairly.
|
| THIS IS A MICROSOFT PROBLEM. It has to do with people trying to pirate
| their OS and now 90% of their customers are caught in the middle, and
| of course the little guy gets screwed and the pirates keep not paying.
| This is the same as buying a new car changing out bad brakes at Midas
| instead of the Dealer and now my car won't start. This is exactly what
| is happening.
|
| Now back to my original problem, if I "obtain" a retail version of
| Windows XP home and get my sytem running can I in fact use my serial
| #'s to register and update my computer legally or do I have to actually
| shell out some more money to Microsoft and buy a full retail version
| and then use the new serial #'s??
|

 

[Kerry Brown]

(e-mail address removed) wrote:

Now back to my original problem, if I "obtain" a retail version of
Windows XP home and get my sytem running can I in fact use my serial
#'s to register and update my computer legally or do I have to
actually shell out some more money to Microsoft and buy a full retail
version and then use the new serial #'s??

A repair install with a generic OEM CD may work with your eMachine product
key. A repair or full install from a retail CD using the retail key or a
generic OEM CD using the generic OEM key will work for sure. I feel for you.
eMachines have a known problem with bad capacitors on their motherboards.
They usually fail just past the warranty. As you have found out they do not
stock replacement parts for very long either. I know others have already
said this but you get what you pay for. There is a reason eMachines are so
cheap. My recommendation is to buy either a full retail or an OEM version of
XP and give up on trying to get something out of eMachines. The frustration
is not worth it.

 

[NoStop]

Ok I thought when I explained that everything worked fine in my dad's
sytem people would get that it is in fact a problem between the mb and
the Emachines BIOS. To answer the questions, on bootup I get a

SAFEMODE
SAFE MODE WITH NETWORKING
SAFE MODE WITH COMMAND PROMPT

LAST CONFIGURATION THAT WORKED

START WINDOWS NORMALLY

The only thing that doesn't get me back to where I started is last
config that worked which gives me the error

\WINDOWS\Sytem32\config\WINDOWS

Emachines writes

Thank you for your e-mail. To further assist you on the issue with
your
replacement motherboard that displays an Intel screen instead of
eMachines screen, please be informed that your System Restore CD should
work with your replacement motherboard. Please be informed that Intel
screen appears instead of eMachines because Intel had manufactured
first
batch of motherboards only for eMachines that is why eMachines logo
appears on your screen before. What you have got as a replacement is
the same motherboard for your system, however, it is named after Intel
and not eMachines.

then they go on to tell me later after 3 restores

Thank you for your e-mail. I believed the hard drive is not failing.
The reason for this error is that the restore CD is customized and
proprietary with the eMachines original motherboard. I suggest to
purchase a retail version of the Operating System.

So telling me I was stupid for buying a Emachines or any other computer
at a big box store isn't helpful. I would say 90% of the people who
buy computers get them at big box stores and expect everything that
comes with the computer is theirs to use fairly.

THIS IS A MICROSOFT PROBLEM. It has to do with people trying to pirate
their OS and now 90% of their customers are caught in the middle, and
of course the little guy gets screwed and the pirates keep not paying.
This is the same as buying a new car changing out bad brakes at Midas
instead of the Dealer and now my car won't start. This is exactly what
is happening.

Now back to my original problem, if I "obtain" a retail version of
Windows XP home and get my sytem running can I in fact use my serial
#'s to register and update my computer legally or do I have to actually
shell out some more money to Microsoft and buy a full retail version
and then use the new serial #'s??

After all this one would think you'd learned a very valuable lesson? Why
don't you just download a free Linux distro and install it. You'll end up
with a more powerful computer, no virus/malware headaches, no lock-in to
MickeyMouse's "activation", freedom to install on as many systems as you
require, a true multitasking-multiuser operating system, thousands of free
open source applications easily installable with a mouse click and most
importantly - a real statement on how you've escaped the clutches of the
world's largest software manufacturer that allows things like you've been
experiencing.

You can find plenty of alternatives by visiting:

http://distrowatch.com/

Read the experiences of a Windows user/proponent - the first item in my sig.

--
A Windows user finally clues in and sets up a dual boot system and loves
it!:

http://www.winxperts.net/forums/index.php?showtopic=1377

The ULTIMATE Windoze Fanboy:

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-2370205018226686613

The New and Improved Ballmer:

Is this a modern day equivalent of a Nazi youth rally?:

http://www.ntk.net/media/developers.mpg

A 3D Linux Desktop (video) ...

View Some Common Linux Desktops ...
http://shots.osdir.com/

 

[nicholson.jr]

If it wasn't thekids computer used for games and homoework then Linus
would be a alternative. Fact is if this is the course Microsoft
chooses to take, then I see alot of people jumping ship, to Linux or
Mac. I have always defended Microsoft, but I guess my opinion is
changing now.


Another question everybody is down on Emachines, Are they the only ones
who sell proprietary protected copy of Windows? It seems all computers
from Dell to HP all come with resotre DVD's and not a Windows only
disc. Am I mistaken?

 

[Jonny]

My Emachines mb went out so I bought an exact replacement. Now my
computer will not boot up. I've done multiple restores, still the same
error. My Dad has the same exact computer I've taken my hd and swapped
it out with his computer and it works fine. Conclusion, problem is the
OEM XP software doesn't like my new mb even though it is technically
the same mb. How can I get this to work. I've been told I have to buy
a new copy of Windows, but how can this be? I already own a copy of
Windows, it came with my computer. I have only replaced a failed part.
Does this happen when people upgrade too? Your not allowed to work on
your own computer anymore?? I'm very frustrated with this, it's just
wrong that every time a part fails on your computer it means Microsoft
gets another $100. I cannot believe this is true, but all indications
so far are starting to convince me. Please help!!

My guess is the bios checksum is different from your current motherboard.
Not that unusual. See if you can get the older version from Emachine tech
help.

 

[GHalleck]

If it wasn't thekids computer used for games and homoework then Linus
would be a alternative. Fact is if this is the course Microsoft
chooses to take, then I see alot of people jumping ship, to Linux or
Mac. I have always defended Microsoft, but I guess my opinion is
changing now.

This is not the course that Microsoft took to take but was
generated at the hands of the big name OEM-builders. As a
custom OEM-builder, I relish selling Windows XP with the
cdroms (retail boxes at that) for the better profit. If
the client provides the Windows XP cdrom, regardless of
whether it is retail or "generic" OEM, I will install it
too, for a small service fee. For better satisfaction,
find a local custom builder or a mom-and-pop computer store.
But be prepared to pay a a little bit more for the added,
hands-on service and courtesies.

But the big-name OEM-builders are now using their bios-
locked copies of Windows XP, that installs when properly
identified by the motherboard. If the motherboard is not
for the same OEM-manufacturer, then XP will not install.
This is the OEM-builders way of making a profit. And it
is little wonder why their versions of Windows XP will not
install on a "generic", look-alike motherboard from the
same motherboard maker. (Back in the early 1990's, there
were Intel ZP motherboards and OEM ZP motherboards; guess
which ones had the genuine Intel bioses whilst the others
had AMI's).

Another question everybody is down on Emachines, Are they the only ones
who sell proprietary protected copy of Windows? It seems all computers
from Dell to HP all come with resotre DVD's and not a Windows only
disc. Am I mistaken?

And no, E-Machines are not the only ones who provide bios-
locked Windows XP versions. Dell and possibly Gateway, also.
HP-Compaq, recovery cdroms. Check around.

And remember, Windows XP provided from OEM-builders are at
a heavily discounted price. That is why they are serviced
by the builders. Why should the retail Windows customer be
forced to lose support from Microsoft, that they actually
paid for?

 

[Kerry Brown]

If it wasn't thekids computer used for games and homoework then Linus
would be a alternative. Fact is if this is the course Microsoft
chooses to take, then I see alot of people jumping ship, to Linux or
Mac. I have always defended Microsoft, but I guess my opinion is
changing now.


Another question everybody is down on Emachines, Are they the only
ones who sell proprietary protected copy of Windows? It seems all
computers from Dell to HP all come with resotre DVD's and not a
Windows only disc. Am I mistaken?

<snipped>

Most of the major OEMs sell Windows and computers this way. I believe it is
more to do with profits and customer support costs than anything else. They
expect customers to buy a new computer every couple of years so they design
them accordingly. Most industries work this way. You can buy cheap and
disposable or pay more and get quality that lasts. eMachines seem to be
built cheaper than other brands and are priced accordingly. They are at the
bottom of the market.

Selling Windows this way also cuts down on phone support. If they can't fix
your problem in less than 5 minutes they tell you to restore to the factory
setup. They save a fortune on support costs. Microsoft has some blame here
but most of the blame is with the OEMs.

I agree with GHalleck's post. A small OEM who takes the time to do things
right and sells a full generic OEM Windows version is the way to go. It will
cost more than a low end major OEM pc but it will be about the same price as
a mid range pc from a large OEM. Be careful in this market as well. The same
rules apply about cost and quality. Please note that I do have a bias here.
I am a small OEM who builds and sells computers.

 

[Rick Rogers]

That is a corrupt registry. To repair it:
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=307545

--
Best of Luck,

Rick Rogers, aka "Nutcase" - Microsoft MVP

Windows help - www.rickrogers.org

 

[Guest]

Simple solution-Remove the BIOS chip from the old motherboard and install it
in the new one. If you don't know how to do this yourself, take both boards
to a local computer shop and have them do it for you.

The old BIOS chip will have info Windows needs to boot properly.
Good Luck.

 

[nicholson.jr]

Rick the link you gave me says


Warning Do not use the procedure that is described in this article if
your computer has an OEM-installed operating system. The system hive on
OEM installations creates passwords and user accounts that did not
exist previously. If you use the procedure that is described in this
article, you may not be able to log back into the recovery console to
restore the original registry hives.


This is a OEM copy of Windows, do you still think it will work?

Dandy Don where is the BIOS chip? i have access to Electricians, so
tha might be an option.