Replaced motherboard and can't re-start Windows XP Pro

[Guest]

After replacing my bad motherboard with an updated version of the same board
I cannot bring up windows in any mode (normal, safe, previous, etc). The
computer screen just hangs. I tried to bring up Windows with the XP Pro CD,
however, it also hangs right when Windows is starting. I have removed all PCI
cards and still have the same problems. I am not sure if the problem is due
to some contention within Windows or maybe a hardware problem.

I do not have a startup disk but I am not sure if this would help anyway?

I do not have the recovery console installed nor do I know how to use it.

Does anyone have any ideas on what I should do? Greatful if someone can help.

Gary

 

[WTC]

Usually you have to do a repair window install when changing the MoBo.

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

Gary;
Last Known Good Configuration will not work since there is none with your
current hardware.
Normally a Repair Installation is required after a motherboard replacement
to properly detect the new hardware:
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/repaxp.htm

 

[frodo]

_IF_ your new motherboard is truely identical to the previous then an XP
repair-reinstall should not be required. Are you sure you have all the
bios settings correct? Is the bios version number the same, or newer than
the old MB? [Prescott procesors usually need a recent bios update w/ new
microcode for SP2 to work]. Update if not. Also, validate that the MB
will boot at all, preferabbly into a floppy with MemTest86+ on it, to
validate the HW: Memtest should run thru at least 1 full test cycle w/
zero detected mem errors.

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

Although the new board may be identical, the statement by the OP "updated
version" suggests the new board is different.

 

[Guest]

Jupiter,

Thanks for the reply and helpful link! Unfortunately I am not able to
proceed to the Windows licensing screen as the screen hangs prior. I was,
however, able to execute the WINNT.EXE in the I386 folder on the Windows CD.
This indicates that is "An internal error has occured. Could not find a place
for a swap file." I think it is only a failure mechanism and not the root
cause. See my subsequent reponse to frodo in a few minutes.

 

[Guest]

Frodo,

My new motherboard is very similar to the old motherboard, with possibly a
different BIOS or other minor upgrades for speed. (The new is P4VXASD2+ and
the old is P4VXASD2.) The BIOS on the new motherboard is probably a later
version than the old motherboard, so it may not be a problem for my P4.

Your suggestion to run memtest86+ was also a very fruitful one!! I ran and
it seems one of my SDRAM DIMMs seems to be bad I will pull out this bad
DIMM and try to bring up Windows again! I will try to bring up without
Windows Repair and see if this works. If not, I will repair Windows.

Thanks for your gracious assistance!
Gary

 

[Guest]

Jupiter,

Again, my description was brief and not adequate. I think Windows should
boot without repair needed, however, if I need to do a repair I can look at
your helpful web link.

Thanks for your gracious assistance!
Gary

Although the new board may be identical, the statement by the OP "updated
version" suggests the new board is different.

--
Jupiter Jones [MVP]
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/

_IF_ your new motherboard is truely identical to the previous then an XP
repair-reinstall should not be required. Are you sure you have all the
bios settings correct? Is the bios version number the same, or newer than
the old MB? [Prescott procesors usually need a recent bios update w/ new
microcode for SP2 to work]. Update if not. Also, validate that the MB
will boot at all, preferabbly into a floppy with MemTest86+ on it, to
validate the HW: Memtest should run thru at least 1 full test cycle w/
zero detected mem errors.

 

[Guest]

Hello,

My problems have been resolved! Thanks to everyone for you help! One of my
SDRAM DIMMS was bad. After replacing i did not need to do a Windows Repair as
the Motherboard was very similar. I used safe mode to boot and replaced on
new driver.

Best regards!
Gary