Will my computer start up normally if i replace the motherboard?

Question

I'm pretty sure the power supply went out and ruined my motherboard, i want it to boot like normal so i can get to all my files and stuff without alot of trouble. I have an emachines C1641. If i put a new motherboard in it will it work just like it did? Please Help

Answer 1

Heres the deal:

As stated in a different answer, if you replace the motherboard with the same make and model, then yes, it should start up just like it did before. The computer wont know the difference.

But:

If it is a different motherboard (new make/model) you might encounter some driver issues when you startup in windows, and frequently when running windows XP, windows XP will not function on the new motherboard at all without a re-install.

However:

If you have a new computer that your trying to copy your old files to, the simplest way to accomplish this is to remove the hard disk drive from your old computer, and add it into the new computer as a seconary drive, and then copy what files you need.

If you are simply trying to repair the old computer, be prepared to do a rescue install of your operating system. If the computer will not boot at all (Either you get a blue screen of death on boot, or the computer continually reboots), boot from your operating system cd (winXP cd) and then press "Enter" to setup windows now, and then when prompted choose "Repair an existing windows installation". (Do not choose "Repair an existing installation using the recovery console", this is an expert option that will likely be of little to no help to you.).

Hope that helps.

Answer 2

I'd try just replacing the power supply first. Then if it still isn't working, you could try replacing the motherboard... if it's replaced with the same model, you should be OK... if it's a different model, you may run into some problems...

With Windows 98 and earlier, it will most likely boot but with a whole crapload of failed devices in the Device Manager list, so you'll need to remove and reinstall the drivers.

With Windows 2000 or XP (or NT) it'll likely not boot and you'll get a blue screen about it being unable to locate the boot device. Sometimes you can run the "repair" option from the original install disk of your OS and it can repair this, but then you'll still have the incorrect driver issues to deal with.

In my experience, if you must change the motherboard, it's easier to also replace the hard drive and add the former drive as a secondary device... then do a clean install of your OS and apps on the new hard drive and copy your data files from the old hard drive.


Hope this helps!

Answer 3

If your power supply "went out" how are you sure the motherboard is bad. You might just need to install a new power supply.

However, if you put a new motherboard in with your original installation of windows there will most likely be some minor problems. The chipset for your old motherboard will most likely be different and your new motherboard will require installation of all of its drivers. If I were replacing a motherboard I would prefer to start with a new clean install of windows to avoid any conflicts or glitches. However you should be able to install the new motherboard and access your files and stuff so that you can back them up before you decide if you need to do a fresh installation of windows.

If you do not have an actual copy of windows but instead the recovery CD that came with your computer it may not install properly.

Answer 4

When you turn your computer on does the power supply fan come on? If not just get a new power supply and replace it, make sure you get one with the same connection type you have now. (the one that connects to the motherboard).

If the fan does come on and seems ok I would just replace the motherboard. If you can find the same type that's in there now, it will work like it did. If you not it should still boot but you might need to load up new drivers for the motherboard.

Answer 5

Well your Power Supply has got a very sensetive FUSE in it providing That is the whole problem Why replace The Main Board.
If you do so and change all parts no reason why it should't,BEware if you don't know what you are doing tinker with some old computer/s first otherwise it may be costly.
Take care

Answer 6

dear member,

if you replace the powersupply and motherboard exact model and type then you're fine. it'll boot up without a problem.

kind regards,
ben

Answer 7

yes, I did that just a couple of weeks ago and it went on normal